How to Prolong Your Unemployment

It would appear that many people truly enjoy prolonged unemployment, based on the behaviors they exhibit and their unwillingness to change.

(For those of you that truly want to change your employment circumstances, please read below and identify which behaviors you can modify to change the outcomes you are getting.)

Believe what you read in the newspapers is the only reason you aren't working.

Many extreme cases of prolonged unemployment are showcased in the media as "human interest" stories. Too many people believe that because someone else isn't working, it is also the reason they are not working. Interestingly enough, readers do not seem to recognize that if they can relate to all of the actions (or lack of action) the story's victim has made (or not), they could determine that different actions are required. The mystique is that the articles tend to only outline the victim's plight, detailing every ineffective move they have made. It seems odd that the omission of a remedy is interpreted as "there isn't a remedy" rather than, "this story sells papers because people relate to it."

Keep doing the same thing you have always done.

Our economy is in a state of flux. Business needs have changed because our markets have changed. Technology changes daily. Jobs are different. They are more complex, more specialized, and more intricate. Employers' needs are different because they are serving diverse audiences. Why then, would any jobseeker approach their search, pursuit and capture of a position in the same way they did ten years ago? (Or four years ago for that matter?)

You need to learn how to ask different questions, get the head's up on upcoming projects, how to find out what an organization's or department's true needs are. It is necessary to carefully tailor each and every resume and cover letter you send out to exactly fit each position. If you need assistance in learning how to do this effectively, then get it. In the same manner a formal education is promoted as a means to gaining better employment, an education on "How To Job Search and Market Your Skills" is an absolute necessity.

Stay Comfortable

Many job seekers refuse to get uncomfortable. They will not ask questions to clarify what was read , heard, understood or said because they don't want to appear "stupid". Asking clarifying questions is a good way to learn more and to build confidence. The new information may provide you with something to act on

Keep Procrastinating

Many job seekers sleep late, won't work on weekends or holidays and take sunny or snowy days off. (The sun coming out in Seattle is a good reason to play outside. Snow in Seattle is also a good reason to play outside.) They check their email randomly, or perhaps only once a week and return calls 2-5 days after they receive them. Leads are often followed up on a week or two, or maybe a month after they get them, rather than the same day. Early morning or evening meetings are avoided because they don't fit into a "normal" schedule.

Making a commitment is out of the question. Job seekers that want to stay unemployed do not follow a schedule, or make a commitment for an event more than a day or two in advance or develop a plan, because something better or more important is almost always likely to come up. That "lotto" mentality will sustain any jobseeker if they really think they will win by inaction and by not making a commitment to anything.

The reality is, the people that plan their actions, plan their time, and commit to events or activities get more done. The people that act quickly, and are willing to stretch themselves by working long or different hours to accomplish something, typically win the prize- the interview.

Make Excuses

They also find it very important to be ready with a plethora of creative excuses as to why something hasn't been done or why it can't be done at all, rather than seeking ways to get something done or working extra hours to accomplish it. Portraying "the victim" is an easy and typical trap chronic job seekers fall into

Problem solving is one of the key areas an employer will examine when interviewing a candidate. Solving problems you experience throughout your unemployment builds character and confidence, and prepares you to be a more attractive candidate and valuable employee.

Associate with Losers

Ever notice how whiners congregate? It is much easier to hang around with unsuccessful people and look good, than risk being around successful people and look bad. Commiserating with losers is much easier than asking questions of those that have been successful in their endeavors.

It is important to listen to people that are achieving their goals. Ask questions. Learn something. If you feel "less than" someone, then use their success as a model and a goal.

Attend any "Get Rich Quick" or "Find Your Passion" seminars you can

It is unfortunate, but jobless people often have low self-esteem and are easy prey for someone trying to make a buck off of their fantasies. There is nothing wrong with following a dream or believing you can make something of yourself, unless you believe that it can be done by magic. Unfortunately, many people would rather believe hype, then roll up their sleeves and put a plan together. Clarifying your dreams is good. Believing your dreams will "just happen" someday, or are possible to achieve without a plan or some work, only promotes further disappointment and greater distress from non-action and increased financial burdens.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

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Sherri Edwards is a Career Coach and Consultant, with over 10 years' experience teaching people how to develop successful strategies for changing their employment circumstances.

©Sherri Edwards Resource Maximizer January 2004