Now What?

​By Rahma

Unemployment sucks. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Perhaps it’s not a scandalous statement, but one that people will unanimously agree upon. Unemployment has become more of a trending struggle recently. We see it every day: either a large number of people are abruptly let go from a big corporation, or recent graduates are grappling with landing a job in the first place. Needless to say, it feels like we’re collectively screaming into the void, constantly fighting with a system that is seemingly designed to make us feel like failures. So, in the cycle of resume editing and email writing, here are some things that might have helped me be less harsh and more graceful towards myself. 

1. Working out. Cliche, I know. But the science doesn’t lie. Working out or even a simple walk around has a tremendous effect not only on your body but also on your mood. The way I see it, it is basically an outlet. An outlet for you to change your setting, let go of your nerves, shift your focus, and breathe. It doesn’t even have to be a routine, but during a time when you might feel inadequate, it’s important to take the time to ground yourself in other activities. A little bit of endorphins never hurt anybody.
   
   
2. Writing, or dare I say, journaling. Yep, ironic. But writing is one of the few ways you can place the noises in your head down on paper. No one is asking you to be Shakespeare, so eloquence be damned. But when the curse of unemployment dictates that you are given plenty of free time, use some to jot down your days, your feelings, your thoughts, or your memories. This might especially help you calm your doubts and distinguish your days during a time when every day might look the same.
   
   
3. Volunteering. It is always important to take part in a community. Volunteering is one of the few ways you can have something to look forward to. It is a great opportunity to connect with different people, build new relationships, and offer a helping hand. It is also a gentle reminder that you are not alone, and that you are much more than a labour machine in a capital market. 
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4. Reaching out to your friends. It’s me again. Why is this important, you might ask. Because capitalism might tell you that you’re worthless and invaluable so long as you are unproductive. And as a result, you might feel like you can’t reach out to anyone unless you’re all polished and shiny. Been there, done that. It is hard to let go of this thought cycle, especially since it’s been deeply ingrained in your brain. But you should never put off reconnecting with the people you love, in my opinion. More times than not, you’re placing these expectations upon yourself, forgetting that you’re deserving of love and support regardless. 

Needless to say, when you’re suddenly faced with a lot of free time, it is easy to start thinking negatively of yourself. And in a world where productivity equals value, your self-esteem naturally takes a deep hit. So it’s important to remember that, as urgent as it feels to apply for different jobs and gain career experience, it is critical to be gracious to yourself in the process. You are worthy and deserving of respect regardless of whether you’re employed or not. So take the time to ground yourself in different activities and prioritize your wellbeing during this time. ​