Searching for Employment

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." – Confucius

The Job Hunt

My son, now in his mid-thirties, has had a patchy employment history. He is currently unemployed with no income. If he has any government benefit, I’m unaware of it. He actively seeks employment. He has an incredibly supportive partner who has been with the same company for many years. When I can, I provide some financial support.

Confidence

Searching for work and being unsuccessful has overtime eaten away at his confidence, as it will for others in his position, particularly so for those with dependants. Fortunately, my son and his partner have just themselves and a dog at home. Over my lifetime I have had periods where my confidence has been low. It took time and effort, but those low periods pass.

The First Step

It may be trite but remaining ever positive and optimistic about what the future holds with a willingness to keep taking steps to build toward a better future is a first step. This is only my opinion, but having a vision, goals, of what you want your future to be, is vitally important to keeping your mind positive and open in the face of adversity. There are many inspirational stories available, books to read that can inspire you to view the future with optimism.

Barriers

The world is rapidly changing, technology such as the internet and now AI has affected much of it. The job market is so competitive it often seems that not having the required skills or formal qualifications to get work are barriers that shut you out. The factors that have caused so much change and disruption are what creates opportunities to overcome barriers to creating income for yourself.

Strategies

Anyone can adopt strategies to find employment or to create income streams. Here is one suggested path.

• Review your personal history to highlight your strengths and capabilities. Your accomplishments matter, whether they are at school, in sport, in your hobbies or projects you completed through physical or mental activity. Remind yourself regularly of your own strengths and capabilities and what you have already accomplished.

• Your ability to perform physical labour is as valuable a skill in the workforce as one who works in an office. All work has value.

• Set goals. Small goals to start with, that can be achieved on a daily or weekly basis. For example, apply for one job a day, anything that may suit your strengths and capabilities. There are free online courses to help you develop skills in areas of interest to you. In New Zealand check out these sites for free online courses; Hays Learning for a wide range of courses, Work & Income, LinkedIn Learning if you have a Work & Income number, My Skill, and Skills for Industry.

• Ask for Help. There are people in your own family and community who are willing to help you write a resume or help prepare you for an interview. The help they provide may surprise you.

• Continue to seek ongoing training. Your own country will have local websites like the ones in New Zealand. Check out thoroughly each provider of free online courses, on at least one of them you will find a course that will enhance your skillset, which will lead to employment opportunities.

• Network. Join online communities, attend trade or job fairs in your area, keep talking to family and friends who may provide leads to employment. They may also suggest possibilities for a small business, to be self-employed.

• Be Persistent. Small action steps taken each day will lead you to success. The key is persistence.

• Remain patient and retain a positive mindset.

Its hard work searching for employment, everyone who cares for you will support you in your quest. Having a strategy, taking action steps, being persistent and retaining a positive mindset, you will achieve your goal.