Unemployed? 5 Pieces of Advice in 5 Minutes (from Someone Who Was Unemployed a Long Time). If you are unemployed or just know someone who is, read this or pass it along.

1. Unemployed?
5 Pieces of Advice in 5 Minutes
(from Someone Who Was Unemployed a Long Time)
PRIDE………TOO POWERFUL OF A TRAIT? - it is good to have it, but don’t let it get in the way of
asking for help when you find yourself unemployed. It is a horrible place to be in and if you tend to be
an independent person, this will be tough for you to handle. But we all need help once in awhile so
don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Even if it is just to talk with someone about how you feel or need advice. Ask for help. There are
people who are eager to give it, but they may just not know they are needed or are afraid to ask you.
It is an awkward position for anyone touched by the situation. Take that important step. Ask someone,
“I need help, do you have time to talk with me?”
DO SOMETHING……….ANYTHING! – you might absolutely love what you did before you became
unemployed, but don’t wait for that perfect job to come along. It likely won’t happen even though it is
fun to dream about resuming exactly what you did before you were employed. Take some of those
core elements which really mean a lot to you in a job, but be flexible and open to new things. Don’t be
afraid to think a little differently.
Having a narrow view didn’t help me at all, so drop that idea from your stance. The perfect job is likely
not out there, please accept that. So while you should stick to those core things your next job must
have, take a wider view of your future, keep an open mind to new industries, job titles and
responsibilities. The range of possibilities is endless. Consider this just the next step on the walk into
your next adventure.
YOU ARE RELEVANT! – it doesn’t feel good to be unemployed, especially after you contributed to
something so special, coaching and mentoring others, creating a productive culture or hitting lofty
sales targets. Those proud moments are in the rearview mirror, but you can still be relevant. Improve
on the lack of value and worth you might feel by helping others or doing something you have always
wanted to do. You can contribute to something good and worthwhile. You just might not know what it
is yet.
I dedicated myself to healthier lifestyle and then went out and dropped 45 lbs from my frame. I laced
up skates and went back to playing competitive ice hockey after a 17-year absence, I began writing in
sports journalism circles, volunteered with US Military Veterans, became a certified hockey referee,
lacrosse official and baseball umpire.
It has kept my skills of leadership, communication, problem-solving, decisiveness, and working with
groups sharp. You can show your value in other areas while keeping your talents polished and have
fun until you get to that next landing spot. You’ll be very ready when that next role comes. Just be
sure to know you are relevant to others.
WHO CAN YOU DEPEND ON? – this one might sting a bit. You may find those you could count on
when life got tough just aren’t there when you need them. It hurts a lot and will likely happen to you. It
might shatter your long-held view of these people and that is a shame. Sure, they were alongside you
in social sittings when laughs and good times were in play, but where were they when you really
needed them? That’s okay, at least you found out. Maybe it is part of the very popular view where
people are largely concerned about themselves, their wealth, their world and their materialistic
“things”.

2. Expand your network and meet new people from diverse backgrounds. You will be pleasantly
surprised who you will find eager to lend a listening ear, connect you with others, introduce you to a
hiring manager or just be willing to help and listen to what is on your mind. And you will likely end up
calling these people your close friends in due time. Maybe one day they will end up being
unemployed and then you can help them.
I was fortunate to return to a more athletic lifestyle, began spending time on the ice and in the
lockeroom with hockey players, meeting people at the local VA hospital and in numerous athletic
settings. I have always believed people want to help others, but that might not come from the sources
you expected. Your circle of friends just might change, though, and that is all right. It is part of the
new world you are finding during this transition and appreciating true substance in some of your
relationships.
KEEP BUILDING POSITIVE ENERGY, YOU WILL NEED IT – there will be pain during your
“transition” to the next job. It is part of the process, but don’t let the bad stuff get the best of you. This
pain comes in the form of depression, psychological trauma and deep and real financial strain. There
are dark places I have been to that I never knew existed. Make sure you get a healthy dose of good
stuff, fun and wholesome things.
Playing competitive hockey, officiating, volunteering and doing things which strengthened my self-
esteem played huge roles in building positive energy. For just pure fun, I found myself sequentially
watching every episode of Seinfeld and Everybody Loves Raymond. It was pure funny with many
laughs, something I really needed. I started reading books about things which have long interested
me and became better educated. I also learned more about myself, compassion for others and the
will to help.
Doing these things helps to bury, as best you can, anger, disappointment, bitterness and betrayal.
These feelings might come when people you counted on cancelled meetings with you, didn’t return
your phone calls or e-mails and simply ignored you. Where they really that oblivious to the fact you
were barely treading water while lost at sea and that all they needed to do was throw you a life
preserver?
There are people who will look down at you because you don’t have a job. Countless times of being
asked what I did for a living and not having an answer to provide involved many awkward moments.
The look of shame toward you which appeared on their face instead an act of compassion was the
typical sequence of events. Sad, but maybe these people need more help than me. I can’t fathom
treating someone like that.
While this is likely a deeper conversation, consider strengthening your relationship with God during
this time. Don’t wait until you hit rock-bottom to make that decision. It’s real easy to ask for God’s help
when you are feeling down. Consider your relationship with Him to guide your life, not an afterthought
or a sanctuary you seek only when you need something. He will be there for you, but you will need to
acknowledge Him, open your heart to what he asks and believe.
This unemployment thing…………you will get through it, trust me. There were very many times I
thought it would not end in a good way. You’ll be better if you take my advice. I have lived it a long
time and I don’t want anyone to go through what I have. If you need help, call or send me an e-mail. I
cannot think of something asked of me that I wouldn’t do. I am all ears and heart. You can count on it!
Dennis Morrell, (314) 477-5590, dennismmorrell@gmail.com