How Do You React When Your Unemployment Goes Longer Than Expected?

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.”
Psalms 103:10

Perspective makes a world of difference, doesn’t it? As you get older, you can see conflict and struggle in a better perspective and as momentary events that are blips on life’s radar.

That may be true with your job search also. When you were first terminated you may have thought, “Didn’t expect that, but I’ll have a new job in a couple of weeks, four at most.” Those two to four weeks have passed into six to eight weeks, to three to four months, to six to eight months, or longer.

Take heart, my friend; even if you did something wrong, He doesn’t reward us that way. There are consequences to our actions, but that’s not punishment meted out by God.

We can learn from Joseph about how to hang on for the long haul when a job search has taken so much longer than you anticipated.

• He remained true to God. He bowed down and worshipped God every day just as he did before he was thrown in prison. Don’t be absent from personal devotions, church worship, Bible study, fellowship opportunities, or support groups.
• He remained true to himself. Joseph didn’t crawl into a corner and bemoan his fate. Wherever he was he used the skills God had given him. When you are unemployed, stay active using your skills and career capabilities by volunteering or taking a part-time job.
• He didn’t deny his aspirations. Joseph knew he could do more, and wanted to do more. When he asked the cup bearer to “remember me to Pharaoh,” it was done with this in mind. It’s okay to be discontented because you are under or unemployed.  It’s okay to admit it.
• He took advantage of opportunities God gave. He used his God-given skills and abilities, and made connections and let people know he was interested in exploring other uses of his talents. He accepted the ever-expanding responsibilities he was given, and he expressed his desires to the cup bearer of work in the government if possible.

How about you? Can you say with Joseph that you have remained true to God, have remained true to yourself, have not denied your vocational aspirations, and have taken advantage of opportunities God has provided? Your release may not be instantaneous, it will take work, and it will be frustrating at times, but it will come. Just hold on! He is working!

Dear Holder of the keys, I admit I get anxious and impatient while waiting for release from my vocational prison.  Help me follow Joseph’s example and keep my trust and eyes on you.

If you would like to explore working with a Christian centered Career Coach, contact me for a no-obligation consultation and we can discuss your situation, what you would like to achieve, and structure your job search to fit your uniqueness.