Very few of us plan for unemployment. We think our job is going well and then, out of the blue, we are fired or laid off. Occasionally, employees get some warning that the company is downsizing and try to do everything they can to prepare for the future, such as start saving, applying to other jobs, etc, but it often isn’t enough time to really help you in an emergency.
They find themselves sitting at home, not receiving enough money to support the household, and life seems to spiral out of control. The tough part is hanging in there and maintaining your sanity, keeping a rhythm, or daily routine to keep you on top of your game for the next opportunity.
Staying Sane and Positive When Unemployed
Set Budgets
Unemployment never offers as much money as the newly unemployed person was making at their previous job, unless you devote your spare time to a new business or venture that used to be a hobby and make it successful. Therefore, spending has to be cut unless an adequate emergency fund was set up.
Reduce the movie packages from cable, turn off lights when leaving a room, walk to local stores (if possible) and leave the car at home, increase your car insurance deductible from $500 to $1000, raise the co-payment for your health insurance, get gas from a cheaper brand like Arco versus Chevron or Exxon, start recycling, and cook dinners at home instead of going out as often. All these practices can help maintain a budget and meet monthly bills.
Best and Worst States For Unemployment Benefits
Just for your reference, we’ve listed with details the 5 best and worst states for unemployment benefits.
The 5 Best States For Unemployment Benefits
Hawaii
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 54.3%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $416
- Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 43%
Rhode Island
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 45.9%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $380
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 27%
Iowa
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 44.9%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $321
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 40%
Kansas
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 44.7%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $326
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 35%
North Dakota
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 44.6%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $310
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 36%
The 5 Worst States For Unemployment Benefits
Arizona
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 26.2%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $213
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 25%
New York
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 26.9%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $303
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 36%
Louisiana
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 27%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $208
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 36%
Alaska
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 27%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $239
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 49%
Delaware
- Percentage of Weekly Wages Covered By Benefits: 27%
- Average Weekly Benefit Amount: $247
- Percentage of Unemployed Receiving Benefits: 37%
Daily Schedules and Daily Goals
During the first days of unemployment, after the initial shock of being out of work is over, many people seem to find comfort in the fact they don’t have to get up every morning and go to work.
Yes, anxiety sets in with money worries, but the thought of lying in bed far later than usual is somewhat appealing. After all, for quite some time there has been a structured routine. Now, no alarm clock is going off and there is nowhere to go.
Though this may seem nice at first, it isn’t good for one’s physical and emotional health. It is wise to try and go to sleep and get up around the same time each day as if you were working. Job-hunting should become your daily job now.
When the day is over, put the resumes away and relax, go to the gym or exercise, and try to maintain the same tight schedule you had before. Tomorrow, begin the hunt once again. This is very important for your mindset.
Find New Skills and Develop Talents
If you have a little nest egg, can collect social security, or want to relax at least one day a week, take a class at a community college or the civic center. This is especially beneficial if it is in your field of business expertise.
Adding training classes to your resume while unemployed can really impress a potential employer. Attempt to learn new skills, such as computer programming, web development, design, accounting, financial analysis, cooking, gardening, painting or yoga.
Whatever you choose, it can only enrich your life and give you the self-confidence necessary to get out there and find a new job. Peruse community programs and organizations to find low-cost or free classes and seminars that interest you.
Stay Healthy and Get Out of The House
Don’t allow yourself to lie in bed every day watching television and eating. Get outside or to a gym, and if you don’t already exercise, start a new program and stay active.
Staying fit is not only beneficial to your health, but it will keep you active and energetic enough to search for jobs without falling deeper into an unmotivated state.
Shut down the computer games, grab a water bottle and go for a walk or hike. Spend time with friends who regularly engage in outdoor activities or take classes at the gym. Get out of the house each day and do something healthy or fun. You will feel better in the long run.
My parents are not unemployed, but to use them as an example, they’ve been attending aerobics, dance, kickboxing, and weight-lifting classes at an adult school nearby. The cost for classes is ridiculously cheap at $35 for 6 weeks, twice a week and they’ve gotten in great shape.
My dad feels healthier, happier and more energetic than ever. I’m even considering signing up for a web design and development class (so I can create a nicer-looking site for you guys).
Find Support
It is perfectly all right to discuss current money and job situations with family and friends that you trust. They can be helpful and lend an ear when stress sets in and you become discouraged.
Make it a point to hang out with employed people so that you don’t become isolated and can still maintain a sense of employment routines. Don’t keep struggles to yourself – talking it out can make a world of difference.
Oftentimes, your spouse or significant other isn’t the best person to vent to, as they are also bearing the financial struggles. Look for a friend who has experienced and overcome this kind of ordeal and they will be supportive.
Talk To A Professional
When all else fails, it is often wise to seek professional help. Individual and family counseling can help keep your confidence while you search for a job, and alleviate some of the stress at home.
There are also professional career counselors who can help you with resumes, job applications, job search boards and referrals. Counseling and assistance doesn’t have to be expensive.
Many communities offer programs for low fees or free of charge. Even deferred payments may be an option until you are back on your feet working in a steady job.
Have Gratitude
Positive thinking promotes positive results. Try to have gratitude for all the little things you have in life. Yes, a job was lost, but generally the other areas of your life have many things to be thankful for. Celebrate achievements and appreciate those around you.
In terms of mentally dealing with unemployment, remember, it’s not just specific to you. If the economy was thriving, your company was growing and you got laid off or fired, then maybe some introspective thought would be necessary.
It is hard to stay positive in tough economic times, but those who do, find themselves far better off in the long run. When a person believes they can achieve greatness and success, more often than not they bring those dreams to reality.
Employment Opportunities
In the end, losing a job is tough, but it isn’t the end of the world. There will be a new job, new opportunities and a financial recovery eventually. Sometimes it is difficult to see the big picture, but with positive thoughts, daily routines, active job searches (it’s a number game, so send out as many resumes and applications as you can) and reducing expenses, you can survive to see the next chapter of your life and the future can look brighter in no time.
