The Key is in Persistency

As of July 2021, the number of unemployed people in Malaysia is over 770,000 people. As the pandemic is still very much present in our country (and everywhere else), the job market is still very much affected.

If you are an unemployed person – whether if you are fresh off the graduation boat or just lose one in the last couple of years – this one is for you.

Don’t dwell too much on the negative side of things

It’s easy to focus on the negative side of things. People often let negative thoughts fill their minds because it’s much easier that way. Though your negative thoughts are valid and warranted, please keep in mind that you should try to fight against them.

Do you know what happens when you keep focusing on the negative? Your negative thoughts will evolve into even worst negative thoughts. Sooner or later you will have suicidal thoughts. If you do have suicidal thoughts, do reach out to Befrienders for help ASAP! Know that things don’t always have to be negative.

Having a goal and focusing on it

To make things a bit easier for your jobless life, have a lifelong goal for yourself. Focus on achieving your goals. It will be easier in keeping the negative thoughts at bay. When you have achieved your goal, you will find much achievement in life.

Achievements can (most times) give meaning to your life. You don’t have to outright compete with your peers as different people have different “time zones” in life. Focus on your own life. There’s no need for comparison and competition.

Network and meet with people

There’s one important life lesson I’ve learned when it comes to getting new opportunities is to know the right people. Whether if it is at the right time or not, it’s a different matter. Being an introvert and not liking to deal with people, has made me realize that I am losing out on a lot of opportunities.

I found that people who know more people, who are around a lot of people, or who network with people generally have better opportunities. That is solely based on my observation so bear with me.

Never pass up the chance of getting to know new people. Make an impression and make it good. When people have a good impression of you, your chances are a lot higher than people who don’t bother to network. Not everyone has a rich daddy with a fat bank account. Some people need to hustle to get through in life.

Have a portfolio ready

Here’s the thing when it comes to landing a new job – and that is to have a portfolio ready for the show. Of course, it will be easier if you are already in the industry for years. You will have a portfolio ready nonetheless.

But what happens when you are a fresh graduate or new to the industry? Or the fact that you have just changed industries and haven’t got a portfolio ready? Here’s the thing: if you have been dabbling in the industry for years and already have a sizeable portfolio, then you will have nothing to worry about.

However, if you are new to the industry and have nothing to show for…then you will be in for a harder time. If you do get accepted into the new job, be prepared for a lower salary. Or worst for some people: not be taken in at all.

Life is hard, but it doesn’t have to suck

We can agree that life is hard. However, it will only remain hard and crappy only if you allow it to be. Why not do something fun while you don’t have a job? If you choose to be sad in a crappy situation, that’s pretty much on you. People have got to learn how to control their emotions better.

Find activities to do – hobbies and whatever. If you don’t have a portfolio to show, then create one. Not getting paid for it may be an issue itself. But do it now and do it early. Don’t leave things too late. Stick to routine too!

Lydia is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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