How to Turn Unemployment Into an Opportunity

Strive to be positive even when you don’t feel like it.  

I’m sure most of us have gone through unemployment. The worst part about being in between jobs is not knowing what’s next. It is agonizing to wake up each morning without a fixed schedule. However, there is another way to view this period in our lives.  

What if you could turn unemployment into a time of opportunity and positive change?

There was a time not so long ago when I had no purpose and zero direction. I was worried about having insufficient resources. I was pessimistic about what’s next. 

Until I realized that unemployment could be an important time of self-development!  

I then made an inventory of what’s readily available to me. I started with this blog, and I vowed to myself to write more positive content. I motivated myself to apply to seminars and conferences, using my blog as my brand and company to represent.  

I prayed, but I also took action. I went online to apply for jobs.  

I worked out each day. I never missed the chance to experience my daily endorphins.  

I downloaded podcasts that focused on mindfulness and creating opportunities for yourself. They helped keep me on the right track, especially when I felt like giving up. 

I shared my website whenever I was in seminars. I learned that it was the perfect icebreaker! It also helped me overcome my shyness whenever I was in a room of professionals. 

Before long, I have noticed that I no longer dreaded waking up each day. I learned how to bullet journal, so that gave me a tangible connection to the rolling of days and errands to accomplish. I listened to music and I realized that I am a creature of habit. So I cultivated new habits such as blogging each day and sharing them online. Producing output on a daily basis reinforced my belief in myself. My blog became my work, while I am still looking for the right job for me. 

I do recommend blogging if you are unemployed. Research on topics that interest you and write about your expertise. Stick to a writing schedule and commit to it! And while I advocate using paid blogging platforms, you may begin with a free one  while you are still starting. Get the feel of writing for yourself, and before you know it, you already have enough confidence to purchase a domain name, website package, and set up your own little space on the interwebs. 

I also recommend working out! There are plenty of free workout videos on YouTube. Utilize them. Learn which types of exercise work for you and commit to working out thirty minutes a day. It will do wonders to your health and well-being.  

Most of all, believe in yourself. You should never give up on your ability to turn emptiness to something great. Use your free time in between jobs for self-improvement! By the time you get employed, your boss and colleagues will be lucky to have you, because you have built your own brand and surpassed the negative vibes that tend to cloud your mind when you don’t know what’s next. 

***Comments are welcome at speakoutsam@gmail.com***

Broke but Unbroken

I have had a busy day so far. I commenced my Friday with a workout video then had a power breakfast of pandesal, peanut butter, banana, and coffee. I then proceeded to my old office for my third and final shot of dengue vaccine. It was bittersweet to return to my former workplace. I had to resign after half a decade due to change in ownership. It was difficult for me to move on at that time, but I eventually did. After my shot, I had my legs waxed. I gave the waxing technician my change as tip. It was difficult for me to give her the tip because the change was already equivalent to my Zumba entrance fee for a morning workout. As I am unemployed, it is hard to make ends meet. I realized though that she needs the tip more than I do. The anxiety that goes with unemployment is eating me up from time to time, but I am not allowing it to consume me. For instance, Scribe Writing Essentials sent me an SMS that the Traveler's Notebook Olive Edition is already on its way. I remember reserving one when I was still employed, so I dropped by their branch to inquire and view the item. Upon reaching the store, I was told that I had to pay for the item and wait for it to arrive in-store on the 16th. I told the lady that I had no money, and it was with a heavy heart that I let go of my reservation. 

Being broke is a sad reality, but I choose to be unbroken. If I will let this consume me, I will be more frustrated and sad. I want to have a job soon, but for now, I must find happiness in the ordinary. It is a struggle to let go of my everyday anxiety, but I know I will get through this. For now, I will just breathe and let God help me.  

Narrative

The past few months have been challenging for me. I had to resign from my previous job due to circumstances beyond my control. I was unprepared for unemployment, so I had to budget what little savings I had left. While I still live with my parents, I have to spend my own money for my workouts, basic necessities, meals, and books. It was not easy, but I am still thriving after a month and a half of having no work. Having gone through this experience has allowed me to appreciate the simplest things, such as a fast food breakfast and the occasional lunch treat from my family and A. While other people may think that having no work (yet) is a disadvantage for me, I am making a choice now to own my narrative and transform this period from one of uncertainty to that of personal improvement. While I am waiting for my next job, I am reading books, exercising daily, and eating healthy meals. Life will not stop for me, so I would rather own this story so I will keep on going. There are plenty of ways to enjoy life. For now, allow me to make the best out of my unemployment so I can be a better employee when I get hired soon.