Unemployment or under-employment has been a steady topic for the last few years. In employment numbers just released on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the number of people unemployed — 2.7 million — was essentially unchanged in June, and the unemployment rate held at 8.2 percent. But what really caught my eye was the number of those considered to be long-term unemployed (out of work for 27 weeks or more). It also was essentially unchanged at 5.4 million or 41.9 percent of those unemployed.
The effects of long-term unemployment can wreak havoc on the economy, families and one’s goals.
When a job search lasts more than a year, the need for a support system increases. A strong group of people who are supportive and encouraging can help combat the self-doubt and loss of focus by sharing leads, offering ideas, listening and brainstorming. The goal is to keep a positive attitude and continue job searching while working through a real emotional process.
The documentary, “Hard Times: Lost on Long Island” is scheduled to air tonight (July 9), on HBO. It looks at the lives of those facing a lengthy job search. The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2011 and follows four couples as they work through job loss and the emotional roller coaster that ensues.
While documentaries show the grim reality of long-term unemployment, they also remind us that work supports a multitude of needs — financial, social, emotional and a sense of purpose. The significance of employment should not be taken for granted, and the courageous spirits of job seekers are to be admired.
Today’s job search can take longer than many expect and there are many reasons for a lengthy search, including where you live, industry changes, skills, mergers, acquisitions and the reliance on a traditional work culture known for rewarding good employees with long-term employment.
It’s helpful for families and friends to know that it takes a tremendous amount of mental energy to conduct a job search, and this kind can lead to job-search fatigue. Constantly thinking about a job search and always being prepared to take advantage of unexpected opportunities takes a lot of energy.
Those who’ve been through long-term unemployment will tell you the importance of staying connected by meeting regularly with friends in a coffee shop or joining a job-search group, for example. The need to socialize and share progress and disappointments is crucial to maintaining a sense of identity.
If you are experiencing a job search lasting more than a year, here are some ideas to consider:
Stay involved in activities and consider volunteering, because volunteering is a win-win arrangement. You are helping others while you reap the benefits of being active.
If you think you’re becoming depressed, seek the help of a mental-health practitioner or someone who treats depression. Depression and anxiety often accompany a long-term search, particularly if you are going about it on your own.
Join a job-search group or start a group of advisers on your own by meeting regularly with people to share ideas and get feedback.
Spend your time where you are most productive. Pay attention to the results you are getting from your efforts. For example, if you’re spending six hours a day applying to online job postings and getting little response, you may want to change how much time you’re devoting to this process. Your time is valuable, and unproductive activities can chip away at your momentum.
Consider contract work or temporary assignments. While it might not replace the position you previously held, the act of getting back to work has merit.
Try networking in a different way, and take the bold step to reach out to people you don’t know who share a common interest. It always helps to modify your networking approach, even if you have tried it and given up because you had poor results. Keep reaching out.
Dress up when you go out to meet people. You may not need to wear a suit, but keep a professional image intact. Growing a beard or dressing too casually can create an unfavorable impression.
Keep your search in perspective. In order to find employment, you may need to consider relocating or taking a job in another city until your financial state improves and stability is restored.
What are your thoughts on how to deal with long-term unemployment?
