Friends, Family and Folks

Friends, Family and Folks Are you hiding at home, hoping no one finds out that you are out of work?   Perhaps you have lost your job for the second time this year.   Maybe you are embarrassed.   Or, maybe it isnt you who is hiding but a friend or family member. All too often, job search leads to isolation.   This is dangerous for so many reasons. Dont allow it to happen. When my husband was out of work for over a year, he and I both went into seclusion.   He was depressed.   I was feeling blue too.   We stopped hanging out with friends. We never went out.   Initially, we used the excuse that we didnt have the money.   Neither one of us could help each other. The other take-away is that job loss impacts the entire family unit.   Children, parents, spouses, partnerseveryone who loves you and cares about you is feeling your pain. What can you do when you start feeling alone?   Know that you are not alone.   Know that the only way out of this deep dark hole is to reach out to others.   Provide them the opportunity to be helpful. You know they want to help. Here are some ideas on how to reach out: Share with everyone you know the specific type of job you are looking for and more importantly the names of companies you would like to work for. Celebrate birthdays and holidays with others Host a pot luck dinner at your place.   Ask everyone to BYOB and a dish to pass Invite a past co-worker or job seeking friend to attend a networking event with you Volunteer with a professional association related to your line of work Help out in the community any way that feels right Reach out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or via phone or email and reconnect Remember, your job is to spread the good word that you are seeking new employment.   Positive, forward thinking communication.   Here are some phrases to avoid: I am looking for a management job, but I just need to work 5 more years. Ive been looking for a job for over a year.   The market stinks.   If you hear of anything let me know. My search hasnt been going so well, so I am willing to do anything. I have a background in accounting.   I havent used it in a long time, but I think there is stability in this so I want to go back. Share positive information instead: I love being a manager and would love an opportunity to help a company grow and develop systems and their people. While I have been looking for a job, Ive also been volunteering with a local charity to help raise money.   I would love to use these skills in a non-profit that could use a good fundraiser. Ive evaluated my strengths and want to stay true to what I love doing.   I really am passionate about solving problems on the manufacturing line.   This is where I want to be.   If you know anyone who works for ABC, XYZ or PDQ, please, let me know. Throughout my career I have been drawn to numbers. Specifically, accounting functions.   I know I can help a company better manage their accounting functions. Hopefully the before and after examples help connect the dots on what positive and forward thinking comments would sound like.   Got a unique situation?   Post a comment!