What happens when the working mom loses her job? This series will detail steps to work through your emotions, get back on the saddle, and come out on top.
Here’s the bad news: If you are among those unlucky enough to lose your job now, you’d better prepare for a long job search.
The median duration of unemployment was 21 weeks or about five months as of December. That means half of all unemployed workers had been without a job for more than five months.
–LifeInc: The Economy and You (Today.com)
Start a Business
Now that you’ve inventoried your skills and experience, what services could you provide in your own business? It has been said that you can start a business with only $100. Don’t believe it? Read the $100 Startup. Can you provide services in lawn care, cleaning, cooking, childcare, or another area?
Create Work
If you are looking for a full-time position, consider taking two (or more) part-time positions. This offers variety in tasks and an opportunity to expand your personal network and skills. Some companies still offer benefits to part-time employees. If not, create your own benefits (make your own schedule to create vacation). And, you may earn more per hour, allowing you to purchase your own health insurance and other benefits.
Make a Change
Consider a career change, if there is nothing available in your previous line of work. If you have skills that can be applied elsewhere, switch industries. Expand to a broader job description or just focus on one small aspect of a larger job you’ve performed in the past. Here’s a great article on The Smarter Way to Change Careers.
Diversify
Right now, I have several part-time jobs including selling books online, mystery shopping, merchandising, freelance writing, online work, virtual services, serving as a product affiliate, working as a waitress, and growing on this blog. Money Saving Mom has featured two great series on 31 Ways to Earn Extra Cash Before Christmas and Becoming a Work-at-Home Mom.
I have quickly learned that if I put all of my eggs in one basket, and the basket is destroyed, then I have just lost all of my eggs. It feels more secure and empowering to know that if one income stream is lost, I still have others to fall back on.
Get Educated
Even if you don’t have the funds to return to college, you can explore free online classes, programs through your local library, along with other classes and school programs. Much experience can be gained through volunteering, internships, and apprenticeships. Just contact local agencies such as Goodwill, your local Parks & Recreation, and other community service organizations.
Keep Searching
Most importantly, don’t give up. If nothing else, staying busy keeps your mind off what you don’t have and what is not coming through. I have learned to wait well. Be persistent by looking for jobs every day. Apply for as many as you can each day. Follow up via phone, email, or mail, as appropriate. Be sure to browse the categories in the newspaper or online job board and individual listings. Don’t rely solely on automated search efforts.
What creative solutions have you used to kick unemployment in the butt?
Others posts in this series:
- 4 Ways to Automate Your Job Search
- A Job Search To Do List
- How To Spend Your Unemployed Days
- 5 Step Guide to Surviving a Layoff Financially
- Unemployment: Why Did This Happen to Me?
- Working Mom Unemployed: Now What?
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