The unemployment period can be the most challenging phase you may have to go through. That is because you have expenses to cater to, a life to live, and you are unaware of when to get the next job. It would be best if you found things to keep you engaged and productive during the period to remain sane and hopeful for better things.

During the challenging moment, the best thing to keep reminding yourself is that you shouldn't give up because you'll find something else, and things will be okay. Here are six tips to help you survive and thrive during unemployment:

Spend as Much Time as You Wish Grieving Your Loss

It is necessary to spend time grieving your job loss because it is similar to all other kinds of loss, such as the death of someone close to you. You will go through denial, anger, bargaining, and depression before accepting the situation. Don't restrict any emotions; get angry if you need to, feel sad and pretend the loss is just a bad dream because that will help you to heal.

Also, that is the only way to accept the frustrating situation and move on. However, it is essential to note that different people have different ways of coping with job loss. That means you may stay for an extended period in one stage and skip others. You may also go through depression first before the denial phase. There is no particular job loss grieving process.

Talk to Your Family and Friends

When you lose a job, you may prefer to stay away from family and friends. You may do so because of sadness or shame from losing your job. However, that can do you more harm than good. Experts believe social isolation can negatively affect you physically and mentally through anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, social isolation can adversely affect your self-esteem and personal relations. Talking to your friends and family during this period will relieve you emotionally. If you aren't ready to talk about the job loss, avoid that topic and discuss other issues. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't spend some time alone. You will need time to understand your emotions and reflect on your professional and personal dreams and goals.

Speak to a Professional Counselor

Suppose you don't want to talk about the job loss with your loved ones; for whatever reason, consider speaking to a trained therapist. You shouldn't feel ashamed to seek professional help. It may help you prevent stress and depression caused by unemployment, which may lead to suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and substance abuse.
If you feel useless after losing a job, you should talk to a professional counselor to get the needed help. You can ask your doctor, family, or friends for recommendations for an excellent therapist to help you survive the difficult period.

Join Other People Going Through Unemployment

Even if your family and friends are caring and well-meaning, they may not understand what you are going through. That is why you should find s a support group with people going through the same situation as you are. The unemployment support group will be an excellent avenue to share your emotions, listen, and learn through other people's experiences.

You will also get the opportunity to find job vacancies, network, and make new friends. If you don't find any support group in your locality, you may check online or start one in the neighborhood. You can invite others you know who lost their jobs and advertise for those you don't know.

Spend Most of Your Time Searching for a Job

During unemployment, looking for another job should become your new job. Start by updating and editing your resume to include your recently added skills, qualifications, and experience since the last time you searched for a job. Use the correct format, avoid mistakes, and tailor the resume depending on the job's applications.

Then, look for suitable employment and send applications. Spend between 25 and 30 hours weekly on job-related matters like searching and applying for jobs. Set a daily target for the number of jobs to apply for and keep application records.

Even though unemployment can be pretty challenging, it is essential to engage in activities that help you remain hopeful of getting another job soonest possible. Don't be afraid to grieve, spend time with loved ones, seek professional help, join support groups and spend more hours looking for the next job. That will enable you to remain active and hopeful during the difficult phase.