By Michelle Perna
Begin to change your mindset- unemployed does not mean unemployable. This is the first step to recovery for those of us that have and are unemployed. Rather than refer to yourself as being unemployed, call yourself an “On-Hold Elite”. It better describes WHO you are rather than what you do without the negative verbiage. Try using this phrase at your next networking session or cocktail party. Here’s what you might say when you are asked, “so what do you do”?
You could answer: “I’m currently a member of the On-Hold-Elites. I worked as an Art Director for the last 5 years at company XYZ. There I was responsible for 20 employees, a budget of over $1 million and I brought in 35% of the new business- I’d love to further discuss how I might add value to your organization. Can we meet for coffee next week? What day and time best works for you?”
By reflecting this positive and confident phraseology, you place yourself in the driver’s seat. Begin with the words, add the attitude and start a groundswell of your own. Rid yourself of the negative!
Begin to change your mindset- unemployed does not mean unemployable. Replace the loss of daily disciplines like getting up at a certain time each day to perform certain rituals (i.e. bathing, make-up, dressing, grabbing that first cup of coffee or tea, and taking the Muni or Subway OR getting on zoom) with like-rituals.
Start by getting your own routine going – start your own On-Hold Elite group. Meet at every free venue available to you. There are lots of new people to network with and additional information others may share with you.
Address the deafening silence of those who once communicated with you while you were employed (i.e. headhunters who once pursued you; those you worked with who are still employed; partners, friends and family members). They may now be uncomfortable with what to say or what to do to assist you. Tell them – understand the discomfort is on both sides.
Know you are not alone (today, this phrase has been replaced with, “We are in it together”) – so, don’t be alone and surround yourself with those who do understand and can assist you!
Communicating and networking outreach is most critical and we appreciate insights from both on-hold elites and working communities.