Got a job today...

[tachi]

Only been there 5 months so a case of Last in, First out really.
Hated it to be fair, not my kind of thing hard selling to businesses.
Always being told to tell the MDs one lie or another to get them to buy and that aint for me, I can't just lie like that!
So, back to unemployment and living off savings but have applied for a bucketful of things already.
My question is though, how do people keep their morale up?
Since I left school I have never been unemployed!
I went from one role to another for a few years, spent 5 years designing and testing Laptops for Toshiba, another 10 Training for VIrgin and then this job and now I have no idea what I will do to fill my time!
The idea of not supporting my family is alien to me and frankly I am feeling a bit low already so what do people do to stay sane?

[ToxieDogg]

My question is though, how do people keep their morale up?

I don't know really. I think different people just cope in different ways. I've been out of full time work a while now, but I've registered with all the local employment agencies (as useless as they are at the best of times!! ) and do any temp jobs that come up, also done a fair amount of voluntary work for the RNIB and Action For Blind People too. The thing to remember mainly (as long as you're still actively seeking employment) is that you're not out of work because there's a problem with you, but because there's a problem with the economy. Sucks, but that's the way it is. But there's always things you can do to fill your time rather than just sit at home being depressed about it.

[tachi]

My question is though, how do people keep their morale up?

I don't know really. I think different people just cope in different ways. I've been out of full time work a while now, but I've registered with all the local employment agencies (as useless as they are at the best of times!! ) and do any temp jobs that come up, also done a fair amount of voluntary work for the RNIB and Action For Blind People too. The thing to remember mainly (as long as you're still actively seeking employment) is that you're not out of work because there's a problem with you, but because there's a problem with the economy. Sucks, but that's the way it is. But there's always things you can do to fill your time rather than just sit at home being depressed about it.

True that.
I'm reticent to go straight for voluntary work (although our local cats & dogs home always cries out for help) because I don;t aim to be Unemployed long but who knows, I could be liKe this for month!
Might give them a call next week, thanks man!

[oldtimer]

Man, thats a real bummer!
But ive been made redundant 3 times in 2 years, and the thing to do was to take any job that comes your way(just to keep busy and better than dole) from small acorns come big trees m8!
Dont sit at home looking for jobs all day, that makes it worse.... even if you do voluntary work its keeping your miond busy and off the worry.
Things will improve... and try to enjoy the quality time you may gety with your family.
Ive been there....

[Mire Mare]

Sorry to hear that, tachi. I hope it's not stressing you out too much.

I have been unemployed once, for approx 6 months, and in hindsight I thoroughly enjoyed it. Like Toxie, I also did voluntary work for a few charities whilst I applied for jobs. I actually started off in a bit of a panic and applied for everything I thought was remotely suitable, or not in some cases, until I took a step back. I realised that of most valuable to me was the time I suddenly had. It was a chance for me re-evaluate what I was doing & what I wanted to do. The voluntary work I undertook actually lead to 2 job offers - which was nice. More time at home to actually do what I wanted to do was a luxury!

I guess my advice is to make the most of whatever you have in front of you. Change is good if you approach it the right way.

All the best, chap.

[nakamura]

Good advice above. Also focus on the positives that you have in life. Been a poor start to the year for me but I just try to remember that I have my family, friends, gaming and all other things to keep me happy.

There are people in the world that really have nothing, I know it is preachy but it does work for me to remember what I have.

Sorry to hear it, hope it works out.

[joefish]

I had it too a few years back.
I would suggest, if you can afford it, or can do it on the cheap, take a break, go away somewhere for a few days not worrying about work.
Then when you come back, treat finding a job like being back at work - get up on time weekdays, contact agencies or firms, do re-writes of your CV to target particular job types, etc.
Don't dwell on any rejection you get. If you can, ask them why they didn't pick you. But don't make excuses or criticise their decision, just thank them for their time and move on. Think of them as waypoints, not dead-ends. Each one is a chance to learn what about you they didn't like, and get it better on the next attempt. Your first interview after a period of unemployment will be a disaster, so don't pin all your hopes on it.

[crusto]

Ive been out of work for the best part of a year now. Forced to 'retire' on medical advice because of a dodgy back. Currently surviving off insurance payments which are roughly half of what I used to earn. Apart from the boredom its not too bad at the moment, although that will soon change when the insurance stops. Apparently I have secured a job at JLR but have no concrete information at the moment, just assurances from the staff at manpower.

Its important not to let it get to you too much, there will be days when you feel like blowing a gasket. Keep your chin up Tachi.

[RetroBob]

Spend a lot of time on your CV - customise it for each job you apply for*, it'll help you be proud about it, and about yourself.

You are basically want to demonstrate that the whole path of your life so far has been leading to doing this job and you really want it.

[grouchy79]

Ive been made redundant 3 times so far so i know how much it can suck. The best way to keep sane is just to keep as busy as possible. Voluntary work is a good idea if its a job you enjoy doing. I hate my current job but im trying to stick with it for the sake of money and sanity. Good luck finding a new job.

[RetroRik]

Sorry to hear that tachi.

I was the same. Worked 20 years from school then made redundant, then made redundant again in new job after 9 months. ( last in first out just like you )
I then ended up spending my last 10 grand of redundancy money just to keep the roof over my head until i got another job 1 year later..

Now this summer i will be made redundant for a 3rd time in 4 years.

But like you my current job is one i hate.

Look at this as a good thing.
Your job was not good for you and now you are being forced to focus your mind on getting something better.

I've found in my current job that i hate everything about it and it actually damages me physically and mentally but i fell into the "Yes but a jobs a job at the moment" spiral.

Its not until im out of work this summer that my mind will truely be focused on the problem.
Don't get me wrong. Im looking but i will really be looking then.

I don't know how old you are but personally i have found that i can't be bothered worrying anymore at my age.

Things find a way to work themselves out. Sometimes they work out better than before so focus on making that the goal.

The only advice i can give is an obvious one.

Don't sit back. Get on top of the financials.. Get everything you can from the government. You've paid NI long enough.
Don't pay for things you don't actually need.

I can tell you that i used to earn £38k a year and struggled.
Then earned £24k and cut back to a level that i could get by.
Now i earn £15k, still have the house and all my stuff. The only extras i pay for are Sky TV ( no movies or sport ) and Broadband. Nothing else other than regular bills and Mortgage.

So £38k down to £15k and im still here..

Chin up.

Sorry for the long post.

RIK

[DPrinny]

My question is though, how do people keep their morale up?

I try not to think about it.
First time I lost my job I had a week doing nothing (I worked nights for about 5/6 years so had to become a day person) then I got on with sorting all the stuff I got over the years out. (LOTS OF IT!).
You learn to cope with less cash (learn to like smart price food)
Best bet try to get back into work as soon as.

[tachi]

Thanks everyone, some great words of wisdom here!
Will take a week to get my priorities sorted then get applying for what I really want to do for a vocation.
In meantime, will contact the cats and dogs home to see if they need my help and get the rest of the little household jobs done.
Also, gonna catalogue my Snes, Nes and SMS stuff and have a firesale I think lol

[GigaPepsiMan]

It's hard to get a job now, never mind keeping it. I hope you do find a new job, it must really suck to have something you need taken away from you when you work hard for it.

I'll be honest though any job that pushes the hard sell does kind of suck.

[DPrinny]

Start applying now. you wont get a response from the off