Tips for surviving the holiday season if you're unemployed

The following tips on how to minimize stress and focus on keeping a positive attitude during the holiday season when you have lost your job were prepared by the American credit counseling organization, Consolidated Credit. The tips are practical and easy to follow and we think they are just as valid for Canadians.

Consolidated Credit’s holiday unemployment survival guide:

• Apply for a seasonal job According to snagajob.com, hiring managers expect to employ an average of 4 seasonal workers this year, nearly a 5 percent increase from last year. Seasonal employees are expected to earn roughly $10.00 per hour, which is unchanged from last year.
• DIY When it comes to holiday decorating, winter wardrobes, and festive dinners stick to doing-it-yourself. Make your own decorations, revamp older winter clothes, and make meals out of what is already in your pantry.
• Freelance If you're unable to find a full-time job, consider other options such as freelance work. Register on free websites like freelance.com, where employers can connect with freelancers.
• Utilize local non-profits Most communities have food and toy banks to help those in need during the holidays. For help with holiday meals or toys for children, we recommend people reach out to trustworthy organizations like the Toy Industry Foundation. Contact your local church or charity bank to see if you can get assistance.
• Don’t stress “When we counsel people, we train them to focus on the positive aspects of their lives like their health, family, and friends. Keeping a positive attitude is essential to finding a job in this economy. The idea is that positive outlook will shine in job interviews helping the person land a new job sooner,” says Dvorkin.
• Volunteer Being unemployed is hard to deal with, but we encourage people to realize that their situation could be worse. Volunteering at a nursing home or homeless shelter often makes people appreciate what they have and helps them to refocus negative energy. This is also a great way to show support for the local community.
• Network The holidays offer many networking opportunities. Attending holiday parties, gatherings, and church events could be the key to finding a new job.
• Don’t charge holiday expenses Spending using credit cards when unemployed will only dig you deeper in debt. In the long run, holiday gifts and meals could end up costing you up to 30 percent more than what was originally paid after interest and penalty charges are added on.

For more tips and advice to surviving a layoff and making it through the holidays without getting into debt, read our free educational booklets.

Comments

[shelena @ Compliance Posters]

The best thing if you don't have job yet is Apply for seasonal job of course there's a lot open jobs there because there are lots of people when it comes to shopping, restaurants and others. The 2nd one is freelance i don't know how to do that but it's kind of more internet jobs.