3 Ways to Beat Long-Term Unemployment and Create Your Own J.O.B.

Long-term unemployment is not a passing phenomenon. It is here to stay. You can give up or you can deal with it. One way to deal with long-term unemployment is to create your own J.O.B.

Oftentimes the zeal for job search declines after the first 3-months. You tend to forgo showers, getting dressed for the day, you start sleeping later, and either over or under eat. This leads to feelings of depression or apathy and it goes downhill from there.

Step 1: Work Your Passion

Start out by finding out what you are passionate about. Yes, this sounds silly especially when rent is due and your children are asking for academy/activity fees.

Do you enjoy crocheting, writing patterns, sharing tips and resources? If so, now may be a great time to develop that hobby into a side gig.

When I first became unemployed in 2007, I started crocheting and writing more. For a few years, I taught crochet locally and sold crochet items online. Eventually, I began writing more and using Google Ads to monetize blogs and articles.

Step 2: Focus on What Comes Easily

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What about your hobby or interest do you love?
• Do you enjoy the completed project, the work, the problem solving involved or do you enjoy showing someone how to do it?

Whatever it is, keep it in mind while planning your next steps.

Step 3: Find the Capital to Start

Although you are starting out small, your side gig needs capital to start. Unless you have an income (not Welfare/Unemployment/Retirement which is your current living budget) banks are unlikely to loan you anything. Get creative!

• Ask family or friends to invest (an investment means you will pay them back)
• Start a Kickstarter(TM) campaign
• Sell excess clothes, furniture, cars, tools, electronics, etc.

When companies stop offering your interviews and jobs don’t get in a funk, Create your own JOB. Use your imagination, your creativity, and your natural gifts to helps others. In doing so, you will find a job that will bring you out of long-term unemployment.

What keeps you from finding (or creating) a job?