COVID-19 Pandemic: How To Cope With Unemployment

There’s no denying that 2020 has taken us all on a rollercoaster, even more, the effect the pandemic (Covid-19) has had on the Nigerian economy.

While a lot of women are just trying to survive and take the day as it comes, others are not so fortunate as there is an increment of unemployment this period.

Unemployment can be more stressful during a global pandemic when you have far fewer chances of landing a new job.

If you’ve recently lost your job, you most definitely will be struggling to manage the feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty about your future.

You would begin to worry about your finances, lack of healthcare, and finding a new job, all while simultaneously coping with the loss of your daily routine and sense of security.

At some point, all this is likely to take a toll on you.

Also read, Nigerian Lady Who Survived Coronavirus Despite Suffering From 3 Other Health Conditions Speaks

Here are a few ways to cope if you lost your job during the pandemic.

Take Time To Grief

As with every other thing, the loss of a job can be painful, so acknowledge it.

Reminiscing over the loss of your job is completely natural, it literally means the loss of a particular identity and lifestyle.

Such a dramatic change may leave you feeling sad, angry, depressed, or even numb.

So take time but remember that while it’s important to give yourself time to process the news, it’s also crucial to make sure you don’t spend too much time dwelling to the point that it becomes an unhealthy habit.

Focus On What You Can Control

This is the period to start restrategizing, although you might have no control over your income, you, however, have control over your budget.

Creating a budget helps you let go of the luxuries you might be spending your money on and stick to the most needed items for now. Spend your money smartly.

Actively Start Looking For A Job

Update your resume and get feedback from your friends.

This way you have more chances of landing a new job with a fresh resume.

Although you may be anxious to get a new job, do not spend all your time job hunting, this can end up being stressful and depressing.

So instead, create a schedule for yourself, try setting aside certain hours of the day for your applications.

This will motivate you to be extra productive during this time.

Gather More Knowledge

Now might be the perfect time to start enrolling for online courses, brushing your skills where necessary so that it can help you professionally.

You might learn a new skill that can be monetized.

Also read, How To Quit Your Job Like A Professional

Connect With The Right People

This is the perfect time to reach out to people. going through these tough circumstances alone can make the stress even worse.

With so many people going through personal challenges, it’s safe to talk about your feelings with one another.

Although you may be limited in physical contact, there are plenty of ways to connect with friends and family virtually to get support.

Especially when social distancing is leading to many people feeling isolated and unable to get in touch with their support network.

Most importantly while you wait,

Plan your day: your day must have a structure with time allotted to all the activities; searching for a job, leisure time, exercise time, and so on.

Adopt healthy coping skills: practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, working out in your living room, meditating and cooking can be quite therapeutic.