Video Transcription

How to stay motivated when you don’t have work

Looking for a job isn’t an easy task. It’s not just handing out your resume, because a lot of people get rejected, and it’s dealing with that rejection that I think people find hardest. It’s hard to find anyone who wants someone my age without experience. You couldn’t get a job if you didn’t have experience, but you couldn’t get experience if you didn’t have a job, so that was difficult. I’ve only had two jobs in my life, and I’ve applied for a lot of jobs. I’m currently signed up with a DES provider.

I signed up for a lot of notifications for places when they are hiring. I tried to find some part-time work locally, but it was difficult being in a regional area, and I didn’t have a car. I’ve applied everywhere—from fast-food places to cleaning people’s houses and motels, to babysitting, to being a nanny. I use as much social media as I can, and I go on all the job-seeking sites. I’ll get on Seek, look through the jobs, save them, and then go back later to apply for them all in one go.

Even though you don’t feel like it, get out of bed. You have to get out of bed. When I was actively looking for jobs, my day would involve getting up, making sure my resume looked good, printing it out if I wanted to hand it in in person, or just jumping on the computer and sending it out. Then I’d relax for the rest of the day because it’s pretty stressful. If I’m feeling overwhelmed with the actual process of applying for jobs and writing all the cover letters, I take a break. Even just going for a walk or going to the shops to get some groceries helps.

I like to do a lot of drawing, crafts, and embroidering just to keep my mind busy. For me, doing exercise, reading books, or doing whatever you like is the most important to keep you busy. Grocery shop or do anything you can to keep moving. When I’m feeling a bit down and sorry for myself, I put on high-energy music or something I know will lift my spirits. I also have a lot of impromptu dance parties in my kitchen with my son.

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