Tina O’Conner: Develop An Employment Action Plan

By

By Tina O’Conner

What happens when we find ourselves unemployed?  For most people, we panic when we a re no longer gainfully employed.  Some feel a sense of relief.

Regardless of how our employment ended, we have a choice with what perspective to take.  We can view this as a closed door and remain on one side of the door.  Or we can open the door to see what may be on the other side.  This means taking a risk.

Let’s assume our unemployment occurred through no fault of our own.  Give yourself some time to grieve and feel those uncomfortable, possibly negative feelings.  At the end of the grieving process, stay focused and motivated.  Take the perspective that this challenge is part of the journey.

One of the most challenging issues to face when chaos hits, is racing thoughts.  Many of us tend to focus on how we “failed.”  Being unemployed is not failure.  There are so many reasons to look for another job and/or career.  If our thoughts and feelings focus on the negative our thoughts race a little faster.  If we can take deep breaths it is much easier to keep our thoughts positively focused.

Consider the following:

  1. Develop an action plan.
  2. Update your resume.
  3. Talk to a headhunter.
  4. Go back to college.
  5. Learn how to sell yourself.
  6. Build your confidence by listing all your positive qualities.
  7. Cross something off your “bucket list” before you return to work.
  8. Begin the job search by subscribing to Vista.Today.
  9. Focus on “one day at a time.”
  10. Breathe.

Believe that whatever greets you on the other side of the door is manageable.  It may take risk, negotiation and some compromise.  Make sure you are true to yourself.

Take this opportunity to make your career something you enjoy and can look forward to on a daily basis.

_________

Tina O'ConnorTina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

Connect With Your Community

Subscribe to stay informed!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Advertisement
Creative Capital logo