While the national unemployment rate today could certainly be worse, it’s been pretty bad for us the past couple of years. A lot of people are unemployed. If you find yourself to be one of them, though, this does not mean that you should have a pity party for yourself and sit around. Actually, staying home and letting your skills lapse is the worst thing you can do. Not only will a potential future employer want to see that you’re a go-getter rather than a bum, you’ll also feel better if you get out and stay busy. On top of that, you just might improve your skill set while you’re at it and widen the array of next jobs you could qualify for! Some ways to get busy while you’re unemployed include:
Volunteering
Community involvement is a great asset to have on your resume. If you haven’t volunteered anywhere before or don’t have a volunteer home just do a quick online search for volunteer opportunities in your area and you’re certain to find a plethora of options. If you want to be more strategic about it, think of a place that focuses its services on a skill, industry or population that you’ve pondered on your career path. For example, if I was considering a career in social work it would be smart for me to sign up to volunteer at my local United Way site. There I would be exposed to a variety of in-need populations and the organizational structures that work to assist them.
Enroll in software proficiency classes
Technology is not going to go away. If you do not know how to use MS Word, Excel or if you’re scared of Apple products, this will eventually come back to haunt you. While you’re off, find a library class to take part in, or if you can afford it enroll in a class at a local college or community center. Even if you think that your job will never require computer skills, I promise you you’re wrong. You will be a more valuable employee if you can keep up with the pace of technology. Know it.
Dislocated Workers Programs
Many states have free programs for what they call dislocated workers, i.e. workers who have been laid-off due to recent economic issues. These programs generally offer a variety of classes, or even degrees at the associate’s level, geared to provide certification for CNA work, entry-level accounting, medical assisting, entry-level business or law associates, etc. If you’ve ever wanted to go back to school for something, the time just might be now!
So get out and get busy! Make yourself employable- it’s in your hands to do so!
What do you do to stay busy while being unemployed? Share with us in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of The Merit Exchange
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