After a Long Period of Unemployment
By Breana Orland
Due to the recent economic downturn, many have found themselves in an unfortunate position, they might have the education, the experience, and the qualifications for gainful employment, but the simple fact is that the jobs aren’t available. Even those who were steadily employed found their positions cut due to the ruthless belt-tightening prevalent in many industries. However, it seems that we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel, and the economy is starting to bounce back from its wild downward spiral. Now those who had lost their jobs due to the recession are starting to see hope and a new job may be waiting just around the corner.
However, just like the first day of school, stepping back into the workplace after a long period of unemployment can be a nerve-wracking and stress-inducing experience. So how are you to cope with stepping back into the 9 to 5 lifestyle after a job drought?
First, it is important to remain confident. You have obtained your new job because of your experience and qualifications. They wanted you and feel that you will be a valuable addition to their company. Don’t be afraid to hit the ground running. It is very easy to try to hide in a corner and keep your head down, hoping you won’t find yourself on the losing end of a “Dear John” once again, but by blending into the shadows, you are actually doing yourself a disservice. The last thing you want is an executive looking at your name on a payroll report and saying to themselves “What exactly do they do here?” Voice your opinion, speak up, and make sure everybody in the office knows who you are immediately. You might not always hit a homerun with your ideas, but at least everyone will know that you are willing to make the effort.
This leads us to our next tip: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There is the old adage that says “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Don’t be afraid to take a risk. Everybody makes mistakes, and if it is a new job for you, you will invariably have one or two blunders as you are trying to reintegrate yourself into the workplace. The important thing is not that you made the mistake, but that you keep your head up and keep working hard to rectify them. Your co-workers and bosses will appreciate that you are willing to learn from your mistakes and you will be better prepared in the long run to not make them again.
Thirdly, make some allies. Even if you are the “new kid on the block” you have to put yourself out there to make friends in your new office. If you plan on keeping this new job, which hopefully you are, for a long period of time, it will help make the days go by faster and help you on your career track if you have friends who you can turn to for support in times of need. The connections you make here will help make you an irreplaceable part of your company.
Just like riding a bike, you can do this job no matter how long you’ve been away from the desk. Just keep telling yourself that, follow these tips, and there is no reason that you will be faced with unemployment again.
About Breana Orland
Breana is a writer for Grants for College where she gives advice on the pursuit of higher education and career options for young adults.
Go to FACEBOOK
Go to HOME
