How to Help Friends that are Unemployed

Just when I thought the economy might be turning the corner, I have heard from a lot of people who have recently lost their job. And since I heard those words 'we are eliminating your position' - I understand the running thoughts that go through someones head. From, 'how will I pay my mortgage' to 'I better pull the kids out of daycare right away but then if I get a job and we lose our spot...' the fear of the unknown can be crippling for a few days. It's especially difficult if you were in a position that wasn't the best fit and you weren't quite sure what direction you were headed in next.

In all honesty, being laid off was the best thing that ever happened to me. Granted I love the people I worked with, I wasn't fulfilled with the day-to-day work and the one thing I need more than anything - the ability to learn new things (social media) and apply them to my job - wasn't going to happen. I took the most realistic approach first and started looking for ANY job that guaranteed income. Within two months and through the help of Twitter, I found a job that paid the bills and allowed me to discover how unhappy I was in that position too - only to start the real search for meaningful work (meaningful to me).

In the time I was unemployed, I worked harder than I ever have in my life. I woke up at 6am every day and had my Outlook calendar packed until 8pm. I was attached to the computer but wasn't on job boards. Instead, I started a blog ('Unemployed in Milwaukee' - which quickly turned into 'Don't Sell Yourself Short' - a piece of advice from one of my favorite bloggers and strategists, Sue Spaight - Spaight Talk). I scheduled breakfasts, lunches, coffees and happy hours with anyone that was willing to give up time and speak to me. I explored the idea of going into sales and met with sales managers to learn more about their day to day, I interviewed for numerous positions, asked for informational phone interviews at big companies like Apple, I worked out, focused on my budget, re-evaluated my spending and looked at my long-term goals in life. I made a list that I HAD to complete every single day and I stuck to it.

I read a blog a few weeks back from Chris Brogan titled 'Your Farmer List.' I could relate to this post on every level. If you are unemployed, your job search should become your farm (and please don't think of Farmville. People who play that on Facebook were de-friended. So think of this as a real farm).

When a farmer (you) wake up, it's not a question of whether you are in the mood or not, those pigs and cows have to be fed, barns must be cleaned and crops must be paid attention. Same with the job search. Make a list and send three people an e-mail letting them know about your situation each day. Connect with new people on LinkedIn. Respond to people on Facebook. Comment on other people's blogs. Set personal fitness goals and achieve them. Schedule time to clean out that front closet. And do it. Because if it's on your farmer's list - you can't ignore it. It has to get done in order to keep you going. I promise that the connections you make and the thoughts you think while completing each task will bring you one step closer to your dream job.

Fantastic blogs to read from people who may have been let go or opted to leave their position in order to begin their journey - www.doniree.com and www.lifewithoutpants.com.

And now, I have to go farming (Target, groceries, laundry, budgeting, baby shower, pre-week work, Jillian Michaels DVD and the list goes on).