Remember when you said to yourself that if you ever lost your job, you wouldn't know what to do? Well guess what, the worst has happened for many of you, and you are managing. Yes, your future is unknown, and a bit scary, but you have learned that if you can accept your situation and deal with it, you can handle anything that comes your way.

Since what you feared has occurred, there is nothing left to fear anymore. All those conversations you had with yourself when you were working about wanting to find a career you would love can now be fulfilled. Yes, you may be wondering how you can pay the bills if you pursue the career you've always wanted, but you might as explore your options. What else is there to do?
 
Realize That You Are More That Your Career
What we do for a living gives us the ability to find out who we are. Through our careers we may discover our talents and our gifts. We can find our strengths and identify our weaknesses. We learn to interact with people, and discover how to motivate and inspire them to be their best. We also make money that allows us to create a life filled with comfort and beauty. This is the good news. The bad news is we spend so much time at work learning these things that we might allow our careers to define who we are. How is your love life? Your friendships? I bet they are in better shape now than when you were working. I am not telling you to stay unemployed forever. I am saying that you should realize that there are other pieces and people in your life that count too.
 
Realize That On The Other Side Is Inspiration
Right now is the hardest part. You are working hard and not getting results. And, you are a person who is used to seeing results. One the other side of discouragement and frustration is inspiration. So, how do you get inspired? You put your disappointments behind you because you realize how much they are holding you back. You write down your vision on a piece of paper, and you look at it every day. Then, you put a plan in place to get it. And, you don't ever give up.
 
Realize That It Was Time For A Change Anyway
How much time did you spend thinking about making a change in your career before you were let go? Months? Years? This is your opportunity to go after what you want. I know it's hard because the future is unknown and you do not know when it will improve. Maybe not knowing is a blessing. How about using the uncertainty to your advantage? If you do not know any better, then you can't make a mistake.
 
Realize That The Only Reasons Are The Ones You Tell Yourself
Right now it may seem like you are battling the economy, but the truth is you are battling yourself. You are battling the circumstances that you have accepted as the reasons that you can't find a job. If you keep talking yourself out of the possibilities, you will never get anywhere. Instead of accepting reasons for failure, accept reasons for success.
 
Realize That You Cannot Achieve What You Want Alone
Asking for help is not a bad thing. Think about it this way, if someone came to you and asked for your help, you would gladly help them. Wouldn't you? So why wouldn't you let the people in your life do the same for you? Is your pride or embarrassment keeping you from making a request for assistance? Let people contribute to you. You would be surprised how many people would like to make a difference in your life.

So, what do you say? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!
 
About the Author
Deborah Brown-Volkman, PCC, is the President of Surpass Your Dreams, Inc. a successful career, life, and mentor coaching company that works with Senior Executives, Vice Presidents, and Managers who are looking for new career opportunities or seek to become more productive in their current role. She is the author of "Coach Yourself To A New Career" and "How To Feel Great At Work Everyday." Deborah can be reached at http://www.surpassyourdreams.com  http://www.career-escape-program.com  info@surpassyourdreams.com  or at (631) 874-2877.

OUT:  Overly detailed resumes
IN:     Streamlined resumes that list relevant accomplishments

OUT:  An "objective" on resumes
IN:     A "summary of qualifications" that highlights applicable skills

OUT:  Blanketing local employers with your resume and cover letters addressed "To whom it may concern"
IN:     Researching prospective employers and applying to companies where your skills and interests match their needs

OUT:  Stilted language in application materials (e.g., "Please find my resume attached in response to the job posting …")
IN:     More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality (e.g., "When I learned about the position, I was excited by the …")

OUT:  "Canned" responses to interview questions (e.g., "My weakness is that I work too hard …")
IN:     Authentic responses that provide insight into your thought processes and how you can contribute to the company

OUT:  A set reference list
IN:     A customized reference list for each opportunity

OUT: General elevator pitches
IN:     Pitching your contacts so they'll provide you with recommendations on LinkedIn

OUT: Networking occasionally
IN:     Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person

OUT:  Using unusual resume formats to hide employment gaps
IN:     Filling potential gaps through volunteer or freelance work

OUT:  A narrow focus in your job search
IN:     A broad view of how your skills might be useful in various roles

OUT: Ending the interview by asking when they'll be contacting you
IN:     Ending the interview by asking for the job on a trial basis

OUT:  Post-interview thank-you notes that tell the interviewer how much you want the job
IN:     Post-interview thank-you notes that provide more insight into why you are the best person for the job

Research results provided by The Creative Group
The Creative Group specializes in placing a range of highly skilled creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals with a variety of firms on a project and full-time basis. The Creative Group's internal account managers typically have prior experience working within the creative industry, which helps them better understand their clients' needs and their freelancers' unique talents. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., the firm has offices in major markets across the United States and in Canada. More information, including online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and The Creative Group's award-winning career magazine, can be found at www.creativegroup.com.