Recession sucks! And not having a job or source of income really sucks. Being jobless can really bring your self-esteem down and make you feel worthless. I know this feeling well because I have been unemployed for some months now. And now I am at the point where the money is really starting to run out.

I have been depressed, I have cried and prayed a lot, I have looked relentlessly for work without finding much more than a few gigs. And now I am at the whatever happens happens stage- because I have done all that I know how to do. I am just sitting and waiting to see what will happen next. I am not sitting idly though-instead, I am trying to use my time in a way that helps take my mind off of my troubles or make me feel useful. Here is what I have been doing:

Keep Looking- I know it looks bleak and the job boards seem empty, but you can not fully give up the job search. You never know when that one job you are perfect for will be posted or available. So keep up the search. And don't be afraid to ask friends and relatives if they know of any leads. Continue looking for work even if it is a part-time or a temporary gig. Some money is better than none!

 

Turn off the news- Gosh! it is so depressing to turn on the news and hear about all the companies that are laying off workers. And it seems to be happening more and more everyday. While it is good to be informed, too much bad news can make you feel worse. And then you start to think that your situation will not change anytime soon because now you have all these other jobless people to compete with. You, the high school teen, the recent college grad, the retiree, and the downsized exec, all vying for a job at the Gap. Not a very uplifting thought! So give the news a little break.

 

Find or rediscover a hobby or talent- You've got talent! Singing, dancing, writing, painting, cooking, etc. Use your talent. That one thing that you once loved to do, but never had the time to do - do it. Start that garden, plug up that old keyboard, pull out those knitting needles, take a look at those old songs you wrote. Or if you have always been interested in learning something new, try it now.  It will give you something else to focus on besides your problems.  

 

Volunteer- Find and area that interests you and lend yourself to them freely. Whether it is helping in hospitals or homeless shelters, schools, or community centers, you will always find others who need your help. And helping others definitely makes you feel better. Besides, you never know who you will meet when volunteering-it could lead to your next job. And I am not saying you should volunteer with a job on the brain - just that you truly never now when opportunities will arise.

Try not to worry- I know that it is hard to not worry when you have no job, no source of income, and no prospects. The bills keep piling up and the bill collectors keep ringing your phone- but what can you do about it. Worrying surely will not help, it will only make you feel worse and can be bad for your health. Now, I know it is natural to worry a little, but don't let it consume and overwhelm you.

 

Get online - Become more active online and tap out all the resources that you can. Start a blog, find old friends via facebook, classmates.com, or other social networking sites. Learn something new -there are tons of tutorials, classes, and other free info online.  Take advantage of the web - just beware of scams- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Get Offline- Yeah, I know I just said to get online but sometimes you need a break from the net, resumes, blogs, and job boards. Go outside, take a walk, a jog, a bike ride. Get some fresh air and some vitamin D (sunshine) - it will make you feel better.

Talk about it- Please don't go it alone! Talk to someone - Get it off your chest. Don't be too proud to let others know that you are having a hard time. Besides, there are so many people in bad situations right now, so there is no need to be ashamed.

Sell your stuff- Start to clean, declutter and organize your house, garage, basement, etc, and you are sure to find some items that others may want to purchase. You can try having garage sale or selling items on ebay, craigslist, facebook, or other sites. You might make a little and cash and I don't know about you, but clean, clear spaces always make me feel better.