the jobless give up
Do you know someone out of work? Maybe several someones? Do you know anyone who has been laid off or who has had their hours or pay reduced? Have you, yourself, suffered in the current recession? I hate to say it and I really do not want to believe it, but we are not out of the woods yet.
Have jobseekers given up? Have you given up? Have hopes to secure employment been dashed upon the rocks? Recent studies have stated that some of the jobless have given up, their despair is so great that they have flat out just stopped looking for jobs, they have a new-found freedom. A desolation some have never known. A freedom no one seeks, the freedom from a paycheck. Grim Freedom. Thanks, been there, done that.
What responsibilities do we have, as citizens of the world, to police this new liberty with whom so many have recently become acquainted? The songs of freedom don’t really fit in with this most recent fight. Tipperary is indeed a long way, the land of cotton has dried up and is all but forgotten, and cymbals crash no more. We may need more than an inside-out rally cap.
A couple years ago, I read an article about an executive recruiter-turned-counselor whose search firm has transformed into more of a guidance counselor’s office with squelched hopes sticking to the walls better than most résumés. The Recruiting Animal‘s show sometimes houses a couch full of coaches ready to sell their goods to job seekers et al. I suppose you will be able to draw your own conclusions. And that picture will look a lot like a sea of stick figures standing in lines, submitting applications, reworking their LinkedIn profiles or sleeping on sofas while General Hospital drones in the background and fades into syndication.
Do we, as keepers of knowledge and seekers of men/women or even just human beings, owe a certain amount of give back/charity to the jobless? To the huddled masses tired of their current grips on reality? What about our own grip? Occupiers? Does charity begin at home?
Do you believe in fate? Do you believe in karma?
We all have something, some small thing to give. Whether it’s simple advice, a pat on the back, or a even a kind word — for each of us faces our own grim freedom at one point or another.
Does the man in the mirror look back at you or is he too ashamed?
Rayanne Thorn, @ray_anne is the Marketing Director for the online recruiting software company, Broadbean Technology. She is also a proud mother of four residing in Laguna Beach, California, and a contributor for Blogging4Jobs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Rayanne – excellent job with this article. We all know at least one (most of us know multiple) people who are out of work, or underemployed, right now. The last three years have been no picnic for me, but will soon be starting a new job, so things are looking up. To those of you who are still struggling: 1) Sometimes you need to wallow in your depression, if only for a short while, before you are ready to get going again. You may go through more than one period of depression. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, and physicians. When you are down, it is easy to isolate yourself. Don’t do it!! 2) Doing something is better than doing nothing. Take a class, volunteer, offer free or reduced services (maybe to a non-profit). It is experience to put on your resume and talk about in an interview. You may also get a reference. Plus, it keeps you from isolating yourself too much. 3) Look for a support group in your area, either through your unemployment office, outplacement counseling, or local HR group. You can do resume critiques, mock interviews of one another, and trade job leads. Of course, there is the comraderie as well! I won’t say keep your chin up, because I’ve been there and know how hard it is. Just don’t stay “down in the pit” for too long.
I think that Heather has some really good ideas right here. Especially about the volunteering part. Everything that gives you one more thing to put into your CV is a good thing. If that something keeps you from depression as well – double win!
Yes, volunteerism saved me during my own joblessness – I joined the Lion’s Club, did marketing for several non-profits, and worked tirelessly in local community theater — All of which increased my skill set and gave me opportunity to interact with other business owners and stay apprised of what is out there… And yes, those experiences were added to my resume and online profiles. They proved I didn’t stand still or have a complete breakdown upon the news that several soap operas were going off the air.
Staying busy and giving back are key to warding off the depression that so often accompanies unemployment.
Thank you, Heather and Donna, both for commenting here – I really appreciate hearing your additions to the conversation!