Being involuntarily unemployed is one of life’s toughest times. This is especially true if you have people depending on you to provide for them. Depending on your skills and experience, finding employment may take a few months.
Here are 7 things you can do while unemployed to keep yourself active, current and moving forward.
APPLY FOR JOBS
As the saying goes “you have to be in it to win it”. Jobs don’t fall out of the sky and into your lap. You need to put yourself out there.
You can browse and apply for our open vacancies here, https://multisearch.co.za/jobs/
REGISTER FOR UNEMPLOYMENT
The Unemployment Insurance Fund is there to assist you financially when you lose your job. Remember it is not available if you resigned, been suspended, or absconded from work.
You can read more about the UIF here. https://www.gov.za/services/uif/uif-unemployment-benefits
MAKE OR SELL SOMETHING
Recently a gentleman came into our office selling samoosas and doughnuts. He had lost his job and said he was doing this to make ends meet (Interestingly, he stopped coming soon after; when he started his new job.) We supported him for 2 reasons; 1) he was taking action to provide for his family, and 2) he sold something we wanted to buy.
Sure, this is not necessarily a permanent solution, but it works.
FREELANCE
If you possess a skill that you can use to help others, offer them on a freelance basis. Some examples of the types of activities you can do are;
- Writing
- Painting
- Repairing something
- Driving
- Teaching
Every time you get out there, interacting with people is an opportunity for you to find employment and support your family.
WRITE BLOGS OR ARTICLES
Writing blogs or articles in your area of expertise can supplement your CV and showcase your skills and experience. You can also record videos of yourself teaching others about your discipline. Add them to your LinkedIn profile and provide a link to that on your CV.
Writing will help you keep your mind fresh while marketing yourself to prospective employers.
VOLUNTEER
There are many charities and causes who need help. Getting out of the house and volunteering to assist where needed, will add much value to your CV. Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to network, showcase your skills, or learn a new skill.
STUDY
Take this time to hit the library or take a free online course. Perhaps there is a skill set you could add to your offering that can help you land a job. Taking this time to improve yourself can help you add more value, which makes you more marketable.
If you are unemployed; keep your head up and know your worth. Remember that every “no” is closer to a “yes”. The above actions can help you get through this chapter. Then, when you look back, you can say that you never gave up and you can feel proud of your accomplishment.
Your turn is coming.
