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Beyond job success

Looking for a job is not always easy. Many studies have shown that losing a job and/or looking for a job is one of the most stressful events that people have to endure. In addition to finding a job, you must come up with a way to manage your finances, stay healthy, deal with your emotions and find time for your friends, families and hobbies. Here are some tips..

Maintaining financial stability

• Investigate severance pay and continued health insurance.
• Contact your local Unemployment Insurance office to learn about benefits.
• Evaluate your current financial situation and develop a survival budget.
• Keep your financial papers organized. Set payment priorities.
• Figure out the bills you must pay (food, rent or mortgage, utilities, car expenses)
• Record all incoming money (unemployment compensation, severance pay, income of spouse/children, interest from savings accounts, investment dividends, tax refunds).
• Make a list of all your assets and their current values.
• Talk with your creditors to set up flexible payment schedules.
• Review your retirement security.
• Contact non-profit organizations that provide confidential financial guidance.
• Use the Yellow Pages to find assistance for child care or elder care.
• Get a head start on understanding many legal issues.
• Start talking more openly about money with your family, (e.g. setting long-and short-term financial goals and reducing expenses).

Dealing with emotional changes

Work is important in your life not only because of the money. Your self-esteem and sense of security depend on a job's predictable daily routine and purposeful activity. Living through the changes that job loss brings, you may experience a range of strong emotions. Re-employment may equal an opportunity for personal growth. Ways to move onto a positive track:

• Think about what's good in your life now - family, friends, skills - and you'll find motivation for the future.
• Focus on possibilities and accomplishments.
• Re-evaluate your goals. Imagine following a dream you always had.
• Be open with your family about anxiety and other feelings.
• Keep your children up-to-date on your activity and report successes.
• See yourself as a positive role model for your children and others.
• Get feedback and support from others. Avoid isolation.
• Join a support group where you can share hopes and plans and let off steam.
• Follow a daily schedule - work on resume, make calls, do research, set up interviews.
• Take pleasure in daily activities like grocery shopping, cooking and running errands.
• Volunteer - doing something for others increases your self-esteem, your network and your skills.

Staying healthy

• Eat well, exercise, have fun, get adequate rest, commit to an active lifestyle.
• Aerobic exercise - like running or bike riding - will speed up your heart rate and breathing and build cardiovascular fitness.
• Strength-building activities such as weight-lifting build muscle and healthy bones.
• Stretching and yoga increase flexibility and help you avoid injuries or soreness.
• Exercise and good nutrition promote self-esteem and psychological well-being.
• Health is a key to reaching the positive frame of mind you need to re-enter the workplace.

New job success

Make the most of your new job.
You'll succeed in your new job by doing the best you can, regardless of whether the job is a temporary position or a professional job in your chosen field. Here are a few tips for the new employee:

• Be a dependable employee! This lets your supervisor know your job is important to you.
• Master your tasks and do more than is expected. Avoid "it's not my job" thinking.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Inform your supervisor of how you're progressing and ask for regular feedback on your performance.
• If any assignments are unclear, ask for clarification instead of proceeding in the wrong direction because you are fearful of looking foolish.
• Enjoy the company of your coworkers. Get to know and be known by others in your work environment... your professional growth depends on it.
• As a newcomer, avoid "office politics."Maintain confidentiality and avoid gossip.
• Ask for advice and help from others, and let them know they can depend on you.
• Learn the art of tact when working on a team, which includes being receptive to others' input and knowing when to compromise.
• Be assertive, self-confident and visible. Think of the three "Es"- enthusiasm, energy and excellence.

Your employer is your partner in finding balance between the world of work and your personal and family life. Make use of the employee assistance programs offered at your workplace to help find your balance.