If you lost unemployment benefits recently, I have a few suggestions to keep you going somewhat. This is hard. I know. Your situation should look different than it does. I hope you’ll keep your head up and create change.
I would recommend doing a few of the following to get you on the road to hope. A few of you saved some money and have been vigilant since the pandemic began. Although there are many open positions, some companies have chosen to take their time hiring. That’s not good for those who didn’t take into account this confusing job market.
There is work done towards extending benefits that do not include the extra $600. Most states claim they don’t have money to offer jobless benefits or even end the program.
Here’s how to get traction sooner than later (but no promises):
1) Sign up for temporary staffing agencies. You can get paid while you’re looking and test drive the companies you’re assigned. You can network with many of the employees and see if the culture is right for you. If not, you can move on. If it is, connect with others on LinkedIn, and if this opportunity doesn’t work out now, it may work out in the future. Those you connect with may refer you later on.
2) Find contract work as a 1099 employee. Unlike a temporary position, you can find two contracts to work simultaneously. W-2 situations can help accelerate paying bills you’re behind on or increase your savings.
3) Volunteer, but do so strategically. Volunteer work can fill resume gaps and increase networking opportunities. Some non-profit organizations will work with your schedule. If you do good work, ask for LinkedIn recommendations or referrals. I’ve seen organizations call other employers recommending volunteers before they apply.
4) If you’re in a bind, consider working a restaurant or hospitality industry job for a short time. If you have previous experience, you could request a higher salary initially since some companies in those industries are desperate to hire.
5) No matter your situation, make job networking a part of your lifestyle and not just something you do when you’re in a bind. You’re networking should include ways you can help others, not just for them to help you. This creates an excellent career ecosystem you can use for life, not just for your next job.
I wish I were talking exclusively to those who have saved enough money for the next six months or more. You have more options and time than those who didn’t. They were laid off or fired, and their former employer failed to set up unemployment insurance.
We are hoping relief will come in mostly offered opportunities from employers through your efforts. The following scenario is your local government will become creative to provide temporary relief. Your only choice now is to start talking to many people, and you become creative in finding jobs, if only for a short time until you discover the right opportunity.
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About Mark Anthony Dyson
My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.