One misconception about being unemployed is that it is hard to find a job, and the longer you’ve been out of work, the harder it is.
While it’s no walk in the park, it’s certainly possible to land a great job after being unemployed for some time.
The better you set yourself up for success, the easier it will be. Let’s take a look at four tips for getting back on track after a period of unemployment.
- Change Your Habits
One advantage to not working is being able to sleep, socialize and eat on your schedule. Once you get back into the workforce and have a job, however, you’ll have to get used to being on someone else’s time.
This can be quite a shock to the system, which is why it pays to be prepared. Try getting up earlier, eating at regular times, and even setting yourself a budget and getting your finances in order.
If you’ve found yourself struggling financially through this period of unemployment and need some quick cash, taking out a loan on the title of your car can be ideal. It’s a great way to pay off any high interest rates you’ve accumulated over this time and reclaim control over your finances as you prepare to be employed again.
Ultimately, the more of a schedule you implement in your personal life, the easier it will be to adjust to a working one.
- Stay Humble
If you’ve been out of the game for some time, it can be hard to take it day by day – especially if you’re going back into a job you’re familiar with.
You may be tempted to get frustrated quickly and feel like you’re behind everyone else.
However, the reality is that you need to give yourself time. Don’t be afraid to be an amateur again, and try to use it as an opportunity to learn as much new information as you can.
- Make Friends with Your Coworkers
There’s nothing more daunting than joining a company where everyone is already familiar with one another. While this may seem overwhelming, try to remember the adage ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.’
Instead of feeling intimidated by new work relationships, try taking the first step in making friends with your coworkers. It will make the entire process a lot smoother, and it will pay to have someone who you can ask for help if you need it.
- Change Your Career
Perhaps you’ve finally made the dive back in but are wishing you could do something different to what you did before. Instead, why not use this as an opportunity to try out a new career?
It’s a great chance to give your pipe dream a go. Plus, you’ll feel more invigorated by being in an entirely new industry where you have to learn everything from the beginning. You won’t feel jaded by having to go through the motions of a career you already know.
Final Thoughts
There are many employers out there who will see your gap in employment and assume the worst.
While it’s going to be difficult to overcome this initial assumption, it’s certainly not impossible. The more work you do beforehand, during and after you get re-employed, the smoother the entire transition will be.
Whether you’re stepping back into your old career or going out on a limb, try these simple tips to get back on your feet after being unemployed.
