Sunday, June 15, 2003
Losing a job is traumatic -- whether it means temporarily losing the entire family income or a part of it. Here are some pointers for helping you get through it:
Talk to your family:
Unemployment is tough on the whole family. Your spouse and children feel helpless. Talk out your problems and plan together. Explain your unemployment situation to them and include them in developing your plans to deal with it. By sharing the burden and pulling together, members of a family grow closer together and draw strength from one another. A professional family counselor may be helpful.
Don't panic, take these steps:
The prospect of losing your job would send most of us into an immediate panic. That's the wrong move to make. Take a deep breath, think and then consider these immediate action steps you should take.
Address your financial situation -- Ask for assistance. It's there to help you with basic necessities. If you're a union member, contact your local union to see what benefits you might be eligible for.
Work out a budget & set priorities-- Include utilities, rent or mortgage, transportation, medical, auto and health insurance, grocery, and all other monthly expenses.
Enlist your family & friends -- Don't blame yourself. Keep a positive attitude. Share your feelings.
Top 10 skills (and rank) in demand in Grant County:
Taking on a new job can mean taking on new skills, new tasks. See if your skills match:
1. Adhere to safety procedures.
2. Follow detailed instructions.
3. Meet deadlines.
4. Read tape measure.
5. Maintain safe work environment.
6. Follow and give instructions.
7. Apply personal care procedures.
8. Work as a team member.
9. Follow emergency procedures.
10. Acquire and evaluate information.
Top 10 skills (and rank) in demand statewide:
1. Work as a team member.
2. Apply good listening skills.
3. Adhere to safety procedures.
4. Follow detailed instructions.
5. Maintain safe work environment.
6. Manage time effectively.
7. Follow and give instructions.
8. Use hand tools.
9. Acquire and evaluate information.
10. Serve customers/clients.
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Keep busy:
Time off the job can mean time on your hands and time to think. Never a good idea. While searching for a job, remember to do other things as well. Volunteer in the community. And, remember these five things:
Look at it as only a temporary problem.
Don't think of yourself as a failure.
Come up with strategies for seeking work.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Take inventory. Build your self-esteem.
Ask for help:
The first step in finding a new job is asking for help. Here are three contacts who can assist you in finding a new job:
DWD Helpline: 1-888-WORKONE.
WorkOne Center, 850 N. Miller Ave. The telephone number is 668-8891.
Center for Life Calling and Leadership, Indiana Wesleyan University, Maxwell Center, Suite 20, 4201 S. Washington St. The telephone number is 677-2520.
Keep the right attitude:
Finding a new job can seem a daunting task. But the right frame of mind is as important for landing a job as how you conduct the search. Here are some tips to boost that job-hunting attitude:
Job hunting is all about promoting yourself and your talent.
Know how your talent can benefit employers.
Finding a job is a job -- it takes time.
Follow a plan, but be flexible.
Don't quit until you succeed.
How to cope:
The loss of a job affects everyone in the family. Spouse, children and friends will feel the affects of what's happened. They'll also want to help the family member who's suddenly facing a job loss. There are steps family and friends can take to help someone cope:
Remember that people suffering from depression cannot simply pull themselves together. They need help.
Provide emotional support. Be understanding, patient and encouraging. Be a good listener and remind them they will feel eventually feel better.
Engage the person in constructive activities. Take walks. Participate in hobbies, sports, spiritual activities.
http://www.chronicle-tribune.com/news/stories/20030615/localnews/483599.html
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