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Surviving the Holidays Without a Job
by Deb Kintner

Joblessness during any time of the year presents difficulties. However, the holiday season presents special challenges to the unemployed or underemployed. It is a time when one’s high expectations contrast sharply with the realities of life and can lead to severe emotional responses unless you prepare yourself. The following tips serve as guidelines to assist you in navigating the holidays and retaining the holiday spirit, despite the uncertainties of unemployment.

1. Continue your job-searching efforts. While it is tempting to be distracted by the activities of the season, remind yourself that you will benefit more in the long-run by focusing your attention on finding the type of position you seek. Schedule your activities and abide by your schedule. Visualize the life you intend to live once you have gained that position and bring that vision to mind during the times you get discouraged.
2. Control spending. Too many people allow themselves to get into financial trouble by over-spending during the holidays. During times when you are not bringing in an income, it is especially important to curtail that tendency. Set a budget that you can afford and stick to the budget. You are not neglecting your family by doing so. In fact, you are taking care of them responsibly. Explain to family members the importance of remaining within set financial limits and explore other options for your holiday giving. It might be a year in which you decide on a gift exchange, with each person buying one gift for one other person. You might also wish to give homemade gifts or gifts of services rather than material items. A coupon entitling a loved one to a special time together, a massage, a day of being spoiled, and so forth, can actually mean considerably more than a material item purchased in a store.
3. Avoid self-judgment. Don’t buy into the concept that you have failed your family inexorably by being jobless. You are not a louse for being in the current circumstances. It is not hopeless and will not last forever. Remind yourself that this is a temporary situation and repeat to yourself the steps you are taking to reach your goals. As long as you are making progress through engaging in the activities necessary for attaining your desired circumstances, then you are accomplishing what is expected of you. Self-judgment tends to throw you into a state of depression, which slows your progress. Work to maintain hope.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Traditionally, the holiday season is filled with parties, rich food, and drinking. Be sure to maintain a sensible perspective on these activities. Be selective in the social events you attend, especially if there is any expectation of gift-giving. By prioritizing the activities in which you engage and avoiding over-booking, you conserve your energy and avoid distraction from your primary focus. Similarly, choose your food intake carefully. Foods high in sugar and fat tend to increase the level of fatigue and cause weight gain, which can affect your self-concept. When attending parties, load your plate with lower calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables. Also remind yourself that you do not need to drink alcohol to have fun at a party. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not improve your spirits, but actually acts as a depressant. Since you may feel prone to depression during this period anyway, avoiding alcohol represents one step you can take to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. Finally, get as much exercise as you can. Attaining a desirable position requires effort and exercise can both help you establish the energy you need and improve your outlook on yourself and your environment.
5. Create new traditions. You might want to consider volunteering a set amount of time each week or create a new family ritual to bring you closer to each other. This can help you to recognize the things for which you can be grateful. No matter how difficult your circumstances, you can always find someone in a worst situation than yours. Developing an attitude of gratitude will nurture your spirit and help to continue even during times of great difficulty.
6. Get support. This is not a time to try to "go it alone." Join a support group. Talk to colleagues or friends who have faced similar ordeals. Share your feelings, especially your fears, with family members. Ask for encouragement when you need it. Brainstorm ideas you want to try. This will help you to feel less isolated and provide hope that solutions can be found.
7. Hire a career counselor and/or coach. These professionals are essential in helping you make appropriate decisions, plan your tactics, and stay on track. They can teach you the skills needed to attain your goals and monitor your efforts. They provide encouragement when it is needed, as well as prodding when you lose focus.

While the holidays represent a special challenge to the jobless, the above suggestions can help you get through this difficult season smoothly. You could even end up healthier, both physically and emotionally through your current experiences, if you face them wisely. Keep on track! There’s a brighter future ahead!


About the Author: Deborah Kintner