Posts Tagged ‘unemployed’

Insurance: Health insurance for the Unemployed – Short-term insurance

November 21st, 2011

By Victoria Heckstall

Having medical insurance is an absolute must for people in the job market, but sometimes, circumstances lead to you becoming unemployed. This puts your entire future in jeopardy, and all too often people give in and cut their health insurance as an expense that they simply cannot afford. However, there are a few options available to you if you have recently lost your job, and feel like you should be able to get another one soon. The best solution if you find yourself in this position – recently unemployed but confident that you will be able to get another job – is a short term insurance policy. These shorter insurance policies, which are normally valid for 6 months to a year, are the perfect solution when long-term comprehensive cover, with all of its contractual obligations, becomes more of a luxury than a necessity.

If you are lucky enough to have no existing medical conditions, then short term insurance plans are fairly easy to qualify for. These schemes typically appeal to recent college graduates who are no longer covered by their institutions medical scheme, or amongst professionals who have lost their jobs suddenly. Losing your coverage does not mean that you have to go without health protection. Short term insurance plans are designed to cover the bare minimum in terms of health care – the unexpected illnesses and injuries that you simply cannot predict. Unlike comprehensive plans, » Read more: Insurance: Health insurance for the Unemployed – Short-term insurance

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Staying Motivated: Unemployed? Five Ways to Get Through It

May 30th, 2011

By Bob McIntosh

At the request of Kim Little, a professional resume writer, I recently read a Newsweek article called Dead Suit Walking and was transported back to when I was unemployed. All the negative feelings I experienced filled my head, but I also thought about what got me through 10-months of being out of work. Here are five suggestions for those of you are unemployed.

  1. First you need to realize that you’re not the only one who’s out of work. Currently 13.5 million U.S. citizens are out of work (US Bureau of Labor Statistics ); although, the number is certainly higher, given that those who no longer collect UI benefits are not counted. As I sat through career search workshops, I was relieved to realize that other talented people were also unfortunate to have been laid off. In other words, you’re not the only one.
  2. Realize that feelings of despondency, inadequacy, and even depression are natural. You may be experiencing feelings you’ve never had before: bouts of crying for no apparent reason, short temper with family members and friends; a diminished sex drive; lack of motivation—you may find it hard to get motivated to conduct your weekly Career Action Plan (CAP), for example. These feelings, and more, are symptoms of unemployment; you’re not going crazy. Note: If you feel your mood taking a serious nose dive, seek therapy.
  3. It’s time to be proactive, not reactive. You’ve heard of the Hidden Job Market (HJM) and may choose to ignore that only 20% of all jobs are advertised. Based on how my customers » Read more: Staying Motivated: Unemployed? Five Ways to Get Through It

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Finances: Unemployment. How to Live Well with Less Money

April 21st, 2011

By Alban Smith

image by Simon Howden

Being unemployed can be a low point in many people’s lives, and it is something that almost all of us will all experience at some time. However, the way you handle being unemployed can teach you a number of lessons about yourself, your attitude towards life, and your relationship with money.

When you adjust your attitude, your spending habits and your money management to suit your new unemployed status, you may be surprised at how well you can really live with less money.

Change Your Attitude When You’re Unemployed

There is no doubt that being unemployed can be a depressing and frustrating time in your life. However, to maintain a lifestyle, and overcome this obstacle, you need to take control of your thoughts and attitudes, and live well.

1 – Make looking for a job your job

While it can be tempting to sleep until lunch time every day when you are unemployed, this is not an attitude which will help you find a new job, nor does it mean you are living well. Instead, get up at the same time you would if you were going to work, have a shower, get dressed and prepare to work » Read more: Finances: Unemployment. How to Live Well with Less Money

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