Tuesday, 8th July 2013 (North Side, Anguilla)—How do you stay motivated during long periods of unemployment or, in other words, what to do when ya t’aint got no job? That is a question that many people today are asking themselves. We are finding increasing numbers of persons who are losing jobs, being let go because companies are downsizing due to economic reasons or who, perhaps, are choosing to walk away from the work place for health reasons or due to some other decision that they have made.
At this mature stage of my life, I find innumerable ways to occupy my time whilst searching for the next paying gig or remuneration assignment. Personally, for myself, I think I’ve finally learnt how to not worry and just go with the flow of life. You might ask me how that is possible when you feel stressed with concerns of where to get money to pay bills, buy food, go to the doctor and so forth.
How can you not worry and be happy whilst searching for a job or being unemployed? This question is particularly relevant in these days of dealing with rough economic situations that all of us face on a daily basis. But it is possible to keep the spirits lifted and to stay positively motivated as Bobby McFerrin sings, “Don’t worry. Be happy”. The secret I have learned is to put complete faith and trust in the Lord, to be grateful for what I do have and to stay focussed on doing positive activities to keep the mind constructively occupied.
When worries enter the mind’s thoughts, I find something constructive to do to take the mind off of the worries. And if the whirlwind of thoughts won’t cease, then I call on a friend who possesses positive and uplifting thoughts and talk through whatever is troubling me. That way, less energy is exerted on being preoccupied with worrisome thoughts.
The best method to not let our minds run rampart with thoughts, or panicked fear about the “what ifs”, is to find things to do that positively occupy our time. There are many examples that you may choose to follow. To give you some ideas of what you can do, I have listed below a number of the activities that I partake in to fill my days and nights. Keeping myself involved in these things makes me feel as though I am not only working, but also gainfully employed.
Do volunteer work or be of service to community organisations
Get involved on a volunteer non-paid basis with a local organisation in the community. I have found volunteering my professional services to write press releases for organisations like the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd (ACOCI), and serving as the Master of Ceremonies at ACOCI Business After Hour events, keeps me in connection with other professional and business persons. Non-profit organisations like the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) and the National Trust (ANT) can certainly use the expertise of volunteers, as they are short staffed and have limited funding available.
As well, I have offered my teaching skills serving as a volunteer Teaching Assistant at Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School and Teacher for First Steps Montessori Academy Summer Camp. The public and private schools are always in need of volunteers to help with teaching classes during the school year and at various camps or other school programmes.
In addition, I volunteered to serve as one of the Evaluators for the Fifth Annual All Hazard Risk Reduction and Safety Fair held on Friday, 21st June 2013 at the Department of Agriculture grounds. This Fair was organised by the Essential Services Subcommittee of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Department of Disaster Management to promote safety and awareness of hazardous risks at home, in the office and other work environments. Serving in this capacity allowed me to be involved in evaluating disaster management education initiatives which are important aspects of our island community.
At the Safety Fair, I was able to mix and mingle with individuals whom I might normally not encounter during my daily routine of activities. It’s always refreshing when you’re not employed, or associated with a business or organisation, to meet new faces and get reacquainted with persons whom you’ve not seen in a long time. Having conversations with them can help you to see the brighter side of life or help you network for new opportunities.
So I highly recommend that you find an organisation with which you can volunteer your time, talents and skills. Giving of your time and talents to others opens you up to receiving gifts from a variety of avenues. You never know, if through your serving as a volunteer, who might notice your willingness to contribute and who may be in a position to offer you employment or refer you to someone who can assist you in this manner. Besides, volunteering will keep you from being bored at home or aimlessly roaming the streets.
Pursue training opportunities to build or refresh your skills
Find areas that interest you – in which you would like to gain new skills or renew what you already know. Work on pursuing training in areas of interest that may be useful in future jobs or employment. There are an assortment of opportunities, both locally and online, to develop skills which are offered at no charge and won’t cost you anything except your time to participate. Check out websites like www.coursera.org for the “world’s best courses online, for free” or do a Google search for courses in your area of interest.
Be informed about local training workshops such as the Department of Youth and Culture’s Youth Leaders’ Retreat training session, on project proposal writing strategies, that was held on Thursday, 20th June 2013 at the Soroptomist Centre. All of us who participated in this leadership training gained invaluable knowledge and made new connections or reacquainted ourselves with former colleagues. We received valuable tips and information on submitting project proposals to the Government of Anguilla as well as the Governor’s Office.
Go out and find training opportunities that are geared towards your specific interests. If you don’t find what you’re looking for then speak with someone who has the expertise and skills that you would like to acquire. Ask the person how he/she developed the skills and whether you can train under that individual. Many people are willing to be mentors and to train others or share their knowledge.
Create your own projects that motivate your interests
To stay motivated. Find projects that involve your special interests such as learning about auto mechanics or herbal medicines. I have delved into my own self-created projects like focussing on health and wellness. For example, last month, I attended a lecture presentation on natural herbal remedies and medicinal plants given by my friend, Herbalist/Natural Health Educator Sue Welch from New York, USA, and a local self-taught herbalist, Organic Researcher Leroy “Ijomo” Browne of Desert Green Organic Farm in Blowing Point. I also listen to the herbal remedy talks given by Ras Bobby on Upbeat Radio (97.7 FM), so I can learn about naturopathic medicines to heal the body of ailments.
Give of your time to aid family and friends
Give of your time, talents and skills to aid family members, friends, neighbours and other people in the community because in giving to others, you open yourself to receive. It seems that I have developed a pattern of coming to the aid of family and friends. Whether it’s by travelling overseas to help with the care of elderly parents, or remaining on island to assist a friend who had a medical emergency and was hospitalised, I am most of the time willing and able to lend assistance to whoever needs help.
Focus attention on your spiritual studies and practises
Most importantly, when you’re without employment, be sure to pay close attention to maintaining your spiritual practises. For myself, when I’m not employed in a traditional job, I have the free time to participate in spiritual retreats like the annual 40-day retreat with Blue Star Centre in Trinidad and Tobago. This spiritual retreat was live streamed online via webcast, so it did not cost me a cent to participate. It was through this IT medium that I was able to build on the firm foundation of meditation I’ve developed over the years. And, trust me, spiritual practises such as meditation, contemplation and prayer help to keep our inner selves well balanced, especially during times such as these that we’re experiencing.
Take advantage of periods of unemployment
It is much easier to endure periods of unemployment when you take advantage of the opportunity to do the things that you would not have the time to do, or do not feel motivated to do, because your attention is focussed on being employed full-time. My hope and prayers are that, by my sharing the things I do when I’ve been unemployed, you too will find ways to satisfy your souls and keep your minds in mental balance when ya t’aint got no job.
May God bless, support and sustain you as you search for your next place of employment. Perhaps you’ll even be inspired to become an entrepreneur and start your own business like young entrepreneurs, Mrs Evelyne Apire-Hodge, Owner of Uhuru Art Gallery in West End, and Ms Ashley Richardson, Owner and Passion Consultant for Sensual Fun Things. They, as well as other entrepreneurs, showcased their products and wares during The Spoken Word poetry event held at La Vue Boutique Hotel on Tuesday night, 25th June 2013.
Whatever you choose to do during these tough times of economic downturn, I am wishing you great success in your endeavours. May you be blessed and supported by family and friends, in everything that you do.
Kay M. Ferguson is a creative professional writer who is following her passion for the art of writing, doing volunteer work and being of service to others whilst waiting for her next paying gig to appear on the horizon. To link with Kay, you can call her on mobile number 264 476 8735, contact online at www.facebook.com/kaymferguson or email anguillawriter@gmail.com.
