Workers' Potential Strategies in Combatting prolonged Joblessness - "A Businessperson's Perspective: 'It's Time for Action Instead of Waiting for Luck' "
"Surviving the Unemployment Nightmare: A Guide for Job Seekers"
In the current economic climate, long-term unemployment can feel like an endless nightmare for millions of Americans. But fear not, as one entrepreneur offers a fresh perspective on how to regain control of your career search.
Giovanna Ventola, founder of her own company, recently shared her insights on long-term unemployment in a social media post, referencing an article from USA TODAY. The article revealed that over 1.7 million Americans are classified as long-term unemployed, defined as being out of work for six months or more, which accounts for approximately 25% of all unemployed workers.
Two Unemployment Stories, Two Different Avenues
The article presented stories of two individuals facing employment challenges, illustrating the difficulties that both new entrants and returning workers encounter in the job market. Jessica Chibuzor-Muko, a recent college grad in cybersecurity, has submitted over 3,000 job applications and received zero offers. In the meantime, she's taken a part-time job in the medical field and is considering a career shift to medicine.
On the other hand, Kiersten Ortiz-Cole lost her job at a recruiting agency and, despite a decade of experience in marketing, has gone months without a job offer. Now without unemployment benefits, she's been doing freelance photography work, living day by day and making necessary cuts to survive.
Expert Advice for Long-Term Unemployment
Ventola emphasized the importance of creating a detailed plan to navigate long-term unemployment. Here are three factors to consider when making your own plan:
- Financial Strategy: Determine your budget and consider part-time or freelance work to maintain financial stability.
- Upskilling: Utilize the extra time to learn new skills or take classes that can boost your resume and make you more attractive to employers.
- Targeted Job Search: Think about what type of roles you'd like to apply for, research the position requirements, and learn how to transfer your existing skills onto your resume.
The Job Market: Hope or Despair?
Though publications like USA TODAY are beginning to define long-term unemployment and validate the experiences of millions of Americans, Ventola is pessimistic about a near-term improvement in the job market. She encourages people to focus on personal growth and develop a strategy to better their situation, rather than relying on external factors.
Embracing a Positive Outlook
Experts warn against getting stuck in a loop of negativity and stress, especially during challenging financial times. Instead, it's essential to maintain a positive outlook and prioritize self-care to stay motivated and resilient during the search.
Helaine Z. Harris, a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, advised, "Maintain a positive attitude throughout the job search, and clear your mind so you can identify the right actions to take and attract the opportunities you want."
Grace in Difficult Times
Lastly, give yourself grace during this challenging period. It's okay to feel upset about the situation, but try not to beat yourself up too much. Remember that the job market is tough for many people, and it's not a reflection of your worth. Instead, use this time to focus on elements you can control, such as bettering yourself and pursuing activities that make you happy.
By following the advice provided, job seekers can take an active role in shaping their career path, maintain momentum, and increase their chances of finding meaningful employment during long-term unemployment.
Kayla Asbach is a writer currently working on her bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
- In her social media post, entrepreneur Giovanna Ventola suggests that job seekers struggling with long-term unemployment can benefit from creating a detailed plan, considering factors like a financial strategy, upskilling, and a targeted job search.
- Despite facing challenges in the job market, Jessica Chibuzor-Muko, a recent college grad in cybersecurity, is contemplating a career shift to medicine due to her lack of employment opportunities, having applied for over 3,000 jobs without success.
- As an alternative to relying on external factors for improvement in the job market, Ventola encourages individuals to focus on personal growth and self-care to maintain a positive outlook and increase resilience during the job search.
- For those experiencing long-term unemployment, self-help expert Helaine Z. Harris advises maintaining a positive mindset, clearing the mind to identify the right actions, and allowing yourself grace during this difficult time, as the job market can be challenging for many people.
