Check out the attached link. Unemployment Stats. It shows the unemployment percentages across the US.  At first glance, it might scare the “Bee-Jesus” out of you!  (But don’t worry…read on!)

As of February 1, 2013 and according to www.about.com , the unemployment rate had initially doubled from when the recession began in December 2007, but has since fallen.  They say that unemployment will more than likely stay at or above 8% through 2012.  That’s because there is a lack of confidence in the market that the economy will stay strong and employers are reluctant to hire new workers until they are absolutely sure the economy will remain “Steady-Eddie”! 

So what are we to do with the reality of unemployment?

“Meet the new underclass — the four million Americans who have been unemployed for more than a year. With every additional week out of work, their chances of finding a job dwindle. It turns out that many employers don’t want to hire the currently unemployed. Enter Joe Carbone, who is determined to return the American dream to the long-term unemployed in Connecticut. And he’s succeeding, one job at a time. How’s Carbone doing it?” (The preceding was an excerpt from, “Trapped in Unemployment” which aired on Feb. 19, 2012.)

Well, Joe Carbone is essentially a job coach.  He is the president of something called, “The Workplace” and he works with people who have found themselves in the predicament of long-term unemployment.  He is coaching their minds towards change, acceptance and creating a new game plan for life!

Here is his check list for embracing change and getting out of the trap of unemployment!

• Change your mind! – When you have been unemployed beyond a year going on 2, unemployment can erode your self-confidence, your self-esteem.  Being unemployed “separates you from your profession, your education, whatever you might have done previously.  There are all sorts of things. It causes divorces. It causes problems with children.”   Don’t allow unemployment to define you!

• Confront your fears and depression of being unemployed! It can be debilitating to think that you won’t be able to take care of yourself…But you will – promise!

• The Resume: The rules have changed over the years!  You’re not mailing in a job application on the proper stock paper.  You’re applying on-line.  If a potential employer tries to look you up on the internet and comes up with nothing – than you’re not relevant!

• Discrimination against unemployment: Sadly, there is an unspoken that if you’ve been unemployed for a year or longer that maybe you’re just lazy.  You’ve got to be able to be authentic and explain what you’ve been doing while you’ve been in between jobs.  Don’t sit idle – Volunteer!

• Social Media: Get your profile up on LinkedIn!  It’s the number one site for any professional!

• Don’t be Prideful: Apply for part-time positions.  Apply to the grocery store, the local burger joint…anywhere that will give you a chance to succeed and prove yourself.  Don’t hold your ego and self-esteem in your college education.  You never know where a new career can start!

• It’s not about the paycheck: It’s about being purposeful!  It’s about the, “hustle bustle of everybody going to work.”  It’s about having dignity.

Joe Carbone is addressing unemployment from a realistic approach. Get current with the employment process.  Become relevant so a potential employer can find you on the internet.  Be flexible in obtaining work.  Certainly pursue your niche, but do not rule out flipping burgers if needed.  Money is money and having dignity is priceless!

How are you cooping with your newly found status?

Are you living your life the same or changing up your lifestyle?