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When I lost my job, the first thing I did was get the word out that I was unemployed and was looking for work. Over the past few months, I've met quite a few people, who, for one reason or another, are having a tough time overcoming the negative stigmas associated with being unemployed. This is just my opinion, but let others think what they want to think about us; we know who we are and what we're capable of.
I don't know what made me so open about looking for work. I think it was just the fact that I knew that the best way to find a job is through someone you know, so I wasn't shy about my situation. Some unemployed feel like they're letting their families down by losing their jobs. Some men, the "hunters", feel like losing their job conflicts with their responsibility to provide for their families. There are also some strong, independent women who have lost their jobs who were the main (or sole) income for their families. Some unemployed parents have kept their job status a secret from their children in order to keep them from worrying.
We all have our own reasons for what we do and who we tell what. And if you can manage to get a new job by keeping the fact that you're looking for a job a secret, that's amazing! I'm still of the school of thought which says that people can't help you unless you ask for it, so maybe that's why I reached out to my contacts (including family and friends) so early on in my search.
How did you react when you lost your job? Did it take you a while to tell others or did you tell them right away? Are you continuing to keep the fact that you're not working to yourself? I'm curious to hear your stories.
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Comments
06.17.09
Totally agree that broadcasting it gives you the highest odds of ROI - as far as job-searching goes! the main leads I've gotten and the interview I have tomorrow - all from people I know. And most of them weren't even specific "positions" applied for - just a general resume submission from a friend with connections. It pays to broadcast. In this economy there just isn't a stigma associated with being laid off! There are plenty of talented, amazing individuals who are jobless right now. I'm one of them. :) Hopefully not for long though, thanks to the people who knew I was looking. They can't help if they don't know, right?
06.17.09
Great post.
I think part of it is the stigma of being unemployed and part of it probably has to do with the fact that people generally tell you that at this point, you should have your life sorted.
I can see how it might be embarrassing that while everyone else has a job, house, relationships and a work wardrobe, you might be hanging out in your pajamas. I suppose though, that everyone's time eventually comes, and it might help to tell a few people you're looking. Might expedite the process of obtaining a job in the end!
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