To find a jobs services center in your area, search for “jobs services office near me. ”

Contact your local Lifelong Learning Center, Job Services department, or community college and sign up for classes that will make you more qualified with the tools you work with. For example, if you worked as an educator but received most of your training through on-the-job learning, take a few education courses to learn some new pedagogy. This can help you see your unemployment as a time of growth rather than simply a liability.

Look on websites like Monster, LinkedIn, or Indeed, and search for jobs that differ from your previous work. Think of ways in which you can apply skills you already have to a new line of work. For example, if you worked in a factory, your job may have been taken over by an automated machine. But, if you gained administrative skills at your factory job, you could find a way to channel those into a job in a new field.

To find volunteer opportunities, reach out directly to organizations that you’d like to work with. Or search online for “volunteer opportunities near me. ” For example, if you’d like to work in a veterinary field, volunteer at a local animal shelter. Or, if you’re an educator, ask if you can volunteer at your local high school or community college. It is good to stay busy, but too much unpaid work can take away from valuable job-seeking time.

There are also plenty of online resources designed to help people with disabilities find employment. [7] X Research source Check out the U. S. Government’s disability employment homepage at https://www. dol. gov/odep/topics/disability. htm.

Don’t try to repress these feelings or push them away. Instead, feel the feelings, and acknowledge to yourself the negative emotions that you’re going through. [8] X Expert Source Jennifer Butler, MSWLife Coach Expert Interview. 31 July 2020. Understand that these feelings are normal and healthy to experience in this setting and will pass with time. [9] X Research source If you’re having a tough time coping with these feelings, or worry that you may be slipping into depression, you may need to reach out and find a therapist.

Getting these difficult emotions out on paper will give you relief from the stress. Physical activity is also a great stress-relief activity. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day. You can do activities like jogging, running, walking, swimming, dancing, weight training, or martial arts.

For example, ask a friend if they would be willing to socialize on a weekly basis so that you don’t feel socially isolated. Or, talk about your unemployment-related feelings with a family member, so they can help you work through and process the frustrations.

In fact, it may be most helpful to think of searching for jobs as your full-time job. If you allow yourself to do nothing while unemployed, your prospects for finding a new job will worsen. At the same time, it’s important to still have fun and enjoy your life. So, if you’re looking for jobs, applying, and interviewing from 9 to 5 every day, make sure to do something you enjoy in the evening. Keeping yourself busy will also prevent you from feeling sorry for yourself or giving up the job search in despair.

Say something like, “Are you still working for that publishing house? I’ve been having a little trouble getting back on my feet after I lost my job. Is there any chance you’re hiring, or could put in a good word with the boss on my behalf?”

Local churches or other religious hubs often host business groups as well.

Also, if you know friends who attend cocktail hours with clients or work colleagues, you could ask to join. This is a perfect time to meet new people and get your name out in the community.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can get your old job back, but you can at least ask former supervisors or coworkers if they know of any openings in general. However, if you left the company on bad terms, it may not be wise to reach out to former coworkers and ask about new job opportunities.