How to Cope With Long Term Unemployment

The stress of losing your job is tough enough, but it can get even harder when you’ve been unemployed for longer than 6 months. Long-term unemployment has become more and more common over the years, so you aren’t alone in your struggles. In this article, we’ve detailed some ways you can cope with the stress of being unemployed for a long period of time, as well as some creative ways you can go about finding a job.

Method 1
Method 1 of 12:
Create a daily routine.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 1
    0
    5
    1
    Having some structure in your life can really improve your mood. Try to wake up around the same time each morning, and plan out each day with simple tasks to accomplish. You can schedule things like resumé building, networking, job searching, and interviews to aid you in your job search. On the flip side, don’t forget other key necessities, like eating lunch, relaxing, and working out.[1]
    • Don’t forget to give yourself a break, too! You don’t have to stick to a schedule every single day—feel free to take weekends off.

Method 2
Method 2 of 12:
Reorganize your living space.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 2
    0
    3
    1
    A change of scenery can help beat the unemployment blues. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, experts recommend reorganizing your room or your home. Taking a few hours to move furniture and knick-knacks around can leave you feeling accomplished, and you might just find that you have more energy to tackle the job search afterward. Plus, it’s a great way to accomplish a small goal so you feel good about yourself.[2]

Method 3
Method 3 of 12:
Exercise regularly.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 3
    0
    2
    1
    It might seem silly, but exercise can really boost your mood! Plus, staying physically healthy is important, especially when you’re unemployed. Set aside some time throughout the day to get your body moving. Even just going on a walk around the block can get you out of the house and refresh your perspective![3]
    • Exercising also releases endorphins in your brain, which make you feel happier.
    • Try things like yoga, weight lifting, jogging, swimming, or rock climbing.

Method 4
Method 4 of 12:
Make time to do fun things.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 4
    0
    1
    1
    Job hunting can take a toll on your mental health. It can sometimes feel like you need to be job searching every single day, but that’s just not true. Be sure to schedule fun things for yourself at least once a week, even if they’re small. Try things like taking a walk in the park, picking up coffee from a local coffee shop, or visiting a friend for a chat. Little things to look forward to are essential, and they can help you cope as you deal with unemployment.[4]

Method 5
Method 5 of 12:
Reach out to friends and family.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 5
    0
    7
    1
    Lean on your support network in this time of stress. You don’t have to open up to them if you don’t want to—simply spending time with a loved one is usually enough of a distraction. However, if you’d like to vent about your situation or ask for advice, feel free to do so, because it might actually make you feel better.[5]
    • Try to spend time with a friend or family member at least once a week to boost your mood.

Method 6
Method 6 of 12:
Keep looking toward the future.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 6
    0
    5
    1
    Remind yourself that you aren’t going to be unemployed forever. Although it can feel bleak sometimes, what you’re doing now isn’t permanent, and you will find a job eventually! Keep telling yourself that you’ll find something, and soon, you’ll be employed again.[6]
    • You should also remind yourself that more often than not, being unemployed is a reflection of the job market, not of you as a worker.

Method 7
Method 7 of 12:
Reach out to your professional network.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 7
    0
    10
    1
    Experts suggest making at least 10 networking calls per day.[7] A professional network can be anyone from past coworkers, old bosses, friends, or family members. Get creative with the people you talk to, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you haven’t chatted with in a while. You never know who’s going to have an awesome opportunity for you![8]
    • When you talk with people, try saying something like, “Hey Rick! Long time no see. I wanted to reach out because I’m in the market for a new job, and I thought you might be able to point me in the right direction.”
    • If you don’t have a large professional network, reach out to people online via professional networking sites, like LinkedIn.

Method 8
Method 8 of 12:
Try an unemployment workshop.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 8
    0
    4
    1
    Workshops for unemployed people can help you make connections. It’s also a great way to learn new skills and understand more about the job market as it stands right now. You can search for unemployment workshops happening in your area, or you can find ones that you can attend online.[9]
    • You can also try going to job fairs or networking events in your career field.

Method 9
Method 9 of 12:
Volunteer to get your foot in the door somewhere.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 9
    0
    6
    1
    Volunteer your time to make connections and gain experience. Take a look at companies near you to see if they need any volunteers. You can also search volunteer websites, like VolunteerMatched, Idealist, and SimplyHired. Then, you can decide how many hours a week you’d like to dedicate to volunteering and how often you’d like to go in.[10]
    • Try to find a volunteer position that aligns with your career goals. If it doesn’t lead to a job at that company, you can still add it to your resumé for extra experience.

Method 10
Method 10 of 12:
Consider changing career paths.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 10
    0
    5
    1
    If all else fails, it might be time to look elsewhere. Unfortunately, as the job market changes, some jobs become less desirable over time. If the reason you’ve been unemployed for a while is because your career isn’t very marketable anymore, it might be worth looking at new opportunities. Many hiring managers understand the desire to pivot in a new direction, so you can start applying to new jobs with an explanation about trying out a new career path.[11]
    • If you have the means, consider going back to school to take classes in a new career field. You’ll get experience and make connections that can help you find a new job.
    • You could also try looking at jobs that are adjacent to your career. For instance, if you have experience in architecture, you can transfer your skills to construction pretty easily.

Method 11
Method 11 of 12:
Reduce food costs with SNAP benefits.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 11
    0
    4
    1
    Paying the bills while on unemployment can be tough. If you find yourself struggling to pay for food, consider signing up for SNAP benefits. These benefits can help pay for your food at the grocery store and give you a little more wiggle room as you look for your new job.[12]
    • If your state offers it, you might also qualify for UI, or unemployment insurance, which gives you a little bit of extra cash each month.

Method 12
Method 12 of 12:
Contact your lenders or creditors for extensions.

  1. Image titled Cope With Long Term Unemployment Step 12
    0
    8
    1
    If you can’t pay your bills, reach out for help sooner rather than later. Call up your landlord, your student loan department, or your credit card company and explain your situation. Usually, they will be able to give you an extension or a reduced rate on what you owe them. Keep in mind that once you get a job, you may have to pay what you owe them in back payments.[13]

You Might Also Like

Survive if You Cannot Find a Job
How to
Survive if You Cannot Find a Job
Make a Living Without a Job
How to
Make a Living Without a Job
Lose Your Fear of Being Fired
How to
Lose Your Fear of Being Fired
Deal with Getting Fired for No Reason
How to
Deal with Getting Fired for No Reason
Calculate Severance Pay
How to
Calculate Severance Pay
React when a Coworker Is Fired
How to
React when a Coworker Is Fired
Deal with Being Fired
How to
Deal with Being Fired
Deal With Being Fired Before Retirement
How to
Deal With Being Fired Before Retirement
Ask for Your Job Back
How to
Ask for Your Job Back
Be Fired Gracefully
How to
Be Fired Gracefully
Explain a Job Termination on Application
How to
Explain a Job Termination on Application
Overcome Unemployment
How to
Overcome Unemployment
Reapply for Your Own Job
How to
Reapply for Your Own Job
Negotiate a Severance Package
How to
Negotiate a Severance Package

References

  1. ↑ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/resources/im-unemployed-now-what
  2. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/depression-busters-for-the-unemployed#coping
  3. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-files/200902/facing-unemployment-ten-steps-handling-your-unemployment-anxiety
  5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/job-loss-and-unemployment-stress.htm
  6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  7. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/03/tackling-the-trauma-of-unemplo
  8. ↑ https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/resources/im-unemployed-now-what
  9. ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/03/a-crisis-of-long-term-unemployment-is-looming-in-the-u-s
  1. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2014/08/05/7-reasons-job-seekers-should-volunteer
  2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/08/14/if-youve-tried-hard-to-find-a-new-job-without-any-luck-its-time-to-pivot-and-start-over/?sh=51d02dc4669b
  3. ↑ https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/23926/412888-Responding-to-Long-Term-Unemployment.PDF
  4. ↑ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/managing-your-finances/what-do-if-you-cant-pay-your-bills/

About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
Hannah Madden
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 8,668 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 9
Updated: October 18, 2021
Views: 8,668
Categories: Job Loss