The Online Investing AI Blog

R. S. @Flickr

The official unemployment rate bounded above 10 percent recently.

But, that’s the official rate. Some economists say that rate is deliberately doctored to make it sound better for politicians who earn their keep by promising us prosperity and endless economic opportunities. These economists say the rate is closer to 17 percent.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re one of the 10 percent, or one of the 17 percent, if you were cut from your job, you’re going through some financial and emotional upheaval. This sense of chaos and loss can lead to depression.

But, like any challenge, it can be the trigger for positive change that can create stunning success. Here are some tips to beat the unemployment blues and make this a situation that leads to real, honest change for the better.

Discipline Your Day
The one good  thing about having a job is that it puts a regimen in your life. When you lose a job, you’re confronted with lots of empty time. You’ll want to divide up your day–just like you did at work–with tasks aimed at self-improvement. You can carve out a certain amount of time to look for new work, start a new business, make some side money, inspire and educate yourself, and work for a charity into that daily schedule.

Inspire Yourself
When bad times hit, it’s common to think that those bad times will last forever. But other people have struggled and surmounted those challenges. Part of each day should be spent studying. Read about people who inspire you. Read books about concepts that can improve your life. Rent some movies that inspire you, too.

Join The Online Free Agent Nation
A whole new world is being created for freelancers. If you can write, design, program, or consult, you can turn the internet into a massive, global job market. Even if you nail down just a few assignments you’ll feel more productive and your self-esteem will jump up a few needed notches.

Start A Business
This may be the perfect time to take that knowledge and skills and turn them into your own business. You have time and maybe even the temporary safety net of unemployment compensation. Your new business doesn’t have to be related to your old job. Lots of new businesses in completely new industries were started by laid-off people who said, “What do I have to lose?”

Work For Others
Fill up some of that spare time working for others. Volunteer at a hospital. Carry in some groceries for a soup kitchen.  You won’t just feel good about yourself, you’ll keep productive, update skills, and maybe even network with people who can help you.

Reconnect With Old Dreams
You probably set aside some dreams on your way to your current occupation. This might be a good time to revisit those lost dreams.

Make Some Spare Money
Don’t be afraid to take on a part-time job, or a spare job. Like working with kids? Do you have home fix-up skills? Like to do lawn work? This labor is good for the soul–and doesn’t hurt the wallet or pocketbook, either.

Retrain For New Possibilities
Your old job isn’t the only employer in town. Your profession isn’t the only one in town either. Consider the possibility of leveraging some of your current knowledge and skills for a new employer or new profession. Or, take steps to reeducate and retrain yourself for an entirely new career.