Recently, unemployment has dropped from 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent since April. The job market has opened over 100,000 jobs since then. Medical and retail jobs have become two of the most popular careers that have new vacancies each day.
The statistics may look reassuring that times are improving, but still there is a total of 12.5 million unemployed people in the United States and 13 percent are jobless African-Americans.
Studies reveal that those who have been unemployed for more than two years have decided to give up on job hunting and have fallen off the unemployment radar.
Hobbies That are Rewarding While Unemployed
Unemployment can lead to depression, anxiety and despair. To avoid the spirit of failure, here are some ways you can keep your mind pre-occupied:
Job Hunt: Of course you should never stop reviewing job advertisements on online job sites, visiting work force offices, or walking directly into facilities and personally presenting your resume. This should become a weekly ritual for you, but it shouldn’t be the ONLY activity you do to keep your self busy or you’ll continue feeling the depression of being unemployed.
Exercise: Go out for a run or join your local gym. If the gym charges a fee, then you can always do inexpensive at-home workout routines. Working out has always been a great way to relieve some stress and anxiety. Plus, it gives you a chance to loose a little weight and stay fit.
Blog: Whatever you specialize in, start a blog about it. Write articles that share information, reviews or ideas that may catch the attention of some top executive in the business. This could set you on the right path to being noticed and eventually being hired.
Study: Since you aren’t in your field yet, continue to study your craft. Read old textbooks that you may have kept stashed in your book collection. Visit the library and checkout new books with material you’ve never learned before. Always refresh your mind to keep up with the newer competition.
Volunteer: Go into the community and find shelters, clubs or centers that may need extra help. Although it would be a non-profit type of job, you will have a chance to be around others, doing something great from the heart. Oh, and don’t forget it will look great on your resume.
Yard sale: Do you have some old items dusting away in your garage and closet? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a little cash! Set up a date for a community yard sale. If you’re not into the face-to-face selling, then try online platforms such as: Face book’s Marketplace, Ebay or Yardsellr.com.
Freelance: There are plenty of sites looking for people to do temporary or contract work. Find companies that need your specific skills to fill a short-term position. You will get paid but even better you will be able to become your own boss. Websites like Elance.com offers a number of job listings that you could apply to.
Network: Last but not least, NETWORK! Don’t find the job; let the job find you! If there is some type of fair or workshop specifically geared towards your field, then attend! Join Facebook groups related to your field and follow people on Twitter who are already connected in the profession. Remember, don’t give up!
© 2012, Jasmine Allen. All rights reserved.
Jasmine Allen is a BLC Freelance Writer.
