TIPS TO DEAL WITH ONGOING UNEMPLOYMENT

Thousands of people have lost their jobs during COVID-19. Here, Emma advises how to stay strong if it’s happened to you…

The most important thing to do is accept that losing your job wasn’t your fault. You didn’t cause it, you couldn’t have prevented it, and it isn’t a slur on your capabilities. It is scary facing unemployment, but keep fear in check. First, figure out what benefits you are entitled to as this may ease the burden. If you can, ask for family help. Don’t be proud. Remind yourself that you have found work before and you will find it again, but the more strategic you are, the more in control you will feel. Have a think about the skills you have acquired during your time in work, then write these down to see them in black and white. Now think about the kinds of jobs you enjoy doing – they may be similar to previous ones, or completely different. Create a compelling covering letter, look up companies you would like to work for and put yourself out there. There are loads of free or vastly discounted courses, so look at the Open University, and Reed and use the time to upskill and increase your confidence. If your partner has lost their job and you are now the sole breadwinner, you may feel overwhelmed. Remember this is temporary, so use your energy to help keep your partner motivated in their search for work. Together, calculate your weekly expenditure. Cutting back spending is a lot healthier than allowing things to spiral out of control. You don’t deserve what has happened, so accept that there will be moments of frustration and helplessness, but face it together as a team.