Work. Some say it’s a four letter word. We love to complain about it as much as we love to talk about the weather. For many people, the only thing worse than work is not having it. Not having work or not having satisfying work can be devastating.

Many people are unemployed. The government statistics reflect percentages, and talk about new jobs created monthly.  My experience on this end of the economic pipeline is different. I am seeing many people who no longer have jobs. People who cannot find a job as good as the one they lost. People are also taking “anything” they can find, leading to underemployment. Many who have just graduated in the past year or two who can’t find any job; that’s right ANY job.

Human beings thrive on excitement and challenge as well as structure. Jobs tend to be where we spend more of our time than with our friends and family. Most people in this country work more than they do any other activity. We work 50% more hours than most economically developed countries, and take 50% less vacation.  We also have a genuine passion for what we do when were allowed to do. So it seems understandable that a lot of how we feel about ourselves (self esteem) is related to what we do.

The challenge is how to feel good about you while you are looking for work:

• Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat, have fun, laugh.
• Have a routine, daily activities where you are expected to be, or where you have committed to go
  • Volunteer
  • Take a class
  • Go on a trip
  • Pursue art as expression
• Do what you can to find a job. Search every day you can.
• Be kind to yourself. Give yourself little treats, a hike, a flower, a book.
• Enjoy yourself! You do not have to be miserable when you don’t have a job. You are not meant to suffer or hide.

If being unemployed is taking a toll on you, consider a support group or even therapy if you or those around you tell you you aren’t yourself.

Dr. Jim