Under Employed Adventures

Working through the emotions and coping with being unemployed has been difficult, and I imagine I am not the only one that feels that way. One thing that has always helped me has been a creative outlet. Cooking and baking have been a positive way to express myself and my love for others so I have embraced it. There have been a few recipes that have helped me get my groove back in the kitchen and the next step is to share them with those that may also enjoy them. The first is Kung Pao chicken . I came across this in the blog emails from MyFitnessPal and it was a hit. My person was a huge fan since he loves spicy foods and it was good for me because it incorporated healthier options than normal, like a vegetable he didn’t hate. The sweetness from the honey and the extra spice from the chili paste perfectly blended with the toasty flavor from the sesame oil. It’s definitely going to be made again. Another first for me was scary sounding and intriguing at the same...

Mentally preparing yourself for the stigma of unemployment and also preparing for potential re-positioning can be a bit overwhelming. Adding to that filing for unemployment for the first time can be daunting. The best way to overcome daunting experiences is to be well prepared going into the scenario. The most important aspect of applying for unemployment benefits is ensuring you are eligible to receive them. You can verify this directly on your state’s application site, but you can also check if you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits prior to applying. Eligibility.com will tell you the general requirements that should be met in advance so you can prepare and have all the materials you need prior to submitting your application. Here is a quick overview: Have your social security number handy. Know the contact information for your most recent employer, most importantly the person that will be confirming your unemployment status with your state’s department. ...

Since the impact of the title unemployed hits immediately, its important to work on incorporating ways to demonstrate your skills somewhere other than your resume and LinkedIn profile. I’d like to point out that those are still important tools, but won’t be able to make up the whole picture of “you”. Best way to demonstrate that is to start networking and putting yourself out there. It can be hard to determine which networking events are the best to attend. While it is important to put yourself out there, you want to make sure any and all events best serve your needs. It’s come to my attention that not all networking events are created equally. If you live in the Philadelphia area, there are a few groups that hold events where you can address skills you’d like to work on in a safe environment with others that also find themselves underemployed. Philadelphia Area Great Careers Group events are held in Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Exton, Wayne, Penn State Great Valley, and...

Not everyone has experienced the loss of a job. For some, I can imagine that it is the hardest thing they have experienced. It can lead to a small spiral and reassessment of what they will do with their life and how to cope with becoming something they do not fully understand yet - unemployed. When we are employed, there is often this idea that when we encounter a person that doesn’t meet that description they are somewhat less. According to a study completed by UCLA in April of 2011, this stigma of being unemployed hits a person within a few days of losing their jobs. In the study, interviewees with similar resumes and work experience were considered for roles, the only difference being one was currently employed and the other had recently lost their jobs. UCLA researchers showed that employment status of an interviewee made up about five percent of the total consideration given to candidates. So those that are unemployed could potentially be at a five percent ...