Ten Steps to Deal with Unemployment

Sometimes when we are in a job, we feel a false sense of security and blot out the very real

possibilities of not having this. Stuff happens, companies re-structure, companies close,

change is a constant and life challenges and surprises us. It is easy to say be prepared for

this, but most of us are not. Few of us have emergency funds or additional sources of

income to tide us over. Some of us are the only breadwinners with children or family

members reliant on our monthly income. So when placed in this situation, drastic action

needs to be taken and fast. The tendency of most of us is to put our heads in the sand and

deny this is happening, however that only delays the process of finding a solution. For those

of you in this situation, the following ten recommendations may help you. Be assured that

with the right approach, there is light at the end of the tunnel -

1. See your situation as a Career Transition: Endings happen and will be followed by

new beginnings provided you adapt and follow some basic career planning steps.

2. Check your legal rights and claim UIF if you qualify: All workers who have been

paying UIF can claim this if a contract has ended or your employment has been

terminated by your employer. Administration is involved, but benefits can be claimed

for up to 34 weeks. This is done at a labour centre. No tax is payable on benefits.

This should be done within six months of you ending up.

3. Work through practical financial issues: Communicate with your home loan

provider to see if an interim plan can be negotiated. Try to cut expenditure and look

at additional sources of interim income.

4. Inform and educate your family and friends: They need to understand you are in a

transitional financial phase in which you will be consolidating and adapting your

lifestyle. Perhaps a family member can find part time employment – don’t take it all

on yourself as we all tend to do.

5. Work on your mindset and self-belief: In most cases the circumstances leading to

being unemployed were beyond our control. Even if they weren’t, there is no point in

“beating yourself up” regarding bad choices. Practise positive affirnations. Stop

complaining. Move beyond the drama and know that you can build solutions which

move you forward. Working on yourself is a critical starting point. If cannot believe in

and articulate your own value add, no client or potential employer will either.

6. Go back to career basics: This involves taking stock of your qualifications, technical

and behavioural skills and experience and asking yourself some basic questions to

re-establish your identity.

7. Look at options with an appropriate person and build on your skills: Check out

job adverts in your field and what they require. Think about needs for services or

products in your neighbourhood. Consider your interests and hobbies and read up on

entrepeneurial options.

8. Formulate a Plan A and a Plan B: Write up action plans or steps for both. You

might apply for formal jobs but while you do this, you could sign up as an extra in the

film industry, do a short course to consolidate or develop a strength or interest or do

some volunteer work to gain experience in a field that you enjoy. Keep busy.

9. Ensure professional career documentation and thorough interview preparation:

Both of these are essential. Without a professional CV, you will not be granted the

opportunity for an interview. Without thorough interview preparation, you will not get

the job. In doing the latter, the job advert and job specification are critical in going

over likely questions. You will be probed on the behaviours and technical

competencies listed in the advert.

10. Get into a structured daily routine and track your progress: Discipline and

perseverance are key to your success. Set aside specific timeslots daily to follow

your action plan. Avoid distractions and apply yourself. Make finding worthwhile

employment a priority. Spend time daily checking career sites, googling options out

of South Africa, contacting recruiters, networking and sending in formal applications.

(do not think a handful are sufficient, you might send in thirty or forty before getting a

response) The bottom line is keep at it.

The above elements are a recipe for success in overcoming a potential period of figurative

starvation and stress. Systematic application and the right attitude in moving forward are

likely to lead to greater career fulfilment than you experienced previously. All the best in

getting started!