With the Winter Holiday Season upon us, occupying our thoughts, hearts and lives, I wanted to take a moment or two to encourage those who are out of work to keep looking and keep trying!
“But who the heck is hiring, this time of year,” you ask?
Maybe not as many employers are hiring right now as we’d like, but some do wait until the end of the year to see if there is anything left in their budges before trying to fill or create an opening.  Other businesses hire at the end of the year to help them get through the holidays because some of their staff is on vacation leave or it’s a busy season.  And while retail hiring is not what everyone was hoping for this year, many stores are still hiring part-timers for the holidays to handle the rash of last minute shopping, just in case.
But letting up on your search just because it’s holiday time causes you to lose momentum.  Demonstrate perseverance! Keep in mind that for every job seeker who slows down their efforts this time of year, the competition is reduced for the jobs that do open up.  And if there are fewer resumes submitted, yours has a better chance of being seen!
I’d also like to say that although times are lean, you can still have a good holiday!  OK, so you can’t buy all the gifts you’d like, and you don’t have the money to be extravagant.  But if you are frugal, thoughtful and creative, you can share a lot of yourself in an economical and practical way.  Make your own holiday cards and gifts.  Trade or barter your services in exchange for the expertise, products or services of others.  (That’s a good idea any time of year!)  You don’t have to spend a lot to give a lot!
But now is also a good time to count your blessings, surround yourself with those you love and like, the positive people in your life.  Try to really enjoy the simple, basic pleasures of good company, food, music, and laughter.  Fill your heart by doing something simple for someone less fortunate than yourself. As poorly as you might feel about your own circumstances, there are always folks worse off than you!!  Spend some time at a senior center, help feed the homeless, wrap presents for hospitalized kids, sing holiday songs in a choir, make ornaments that can be auctioned off or used by a local charity. The possibilities are endless.
Remember that being around others helps you build a community and support each other.  You don’t have to advertise that you’re out of work – you’re helping others out of the goodness of your heart!  But volunteering can often provide you an unexpected networking opportunity that could lead to a job. You just never know.  So don’t be afraid to tell people about your interests and experience while you’re tying that ribbon, or stirring the soup.  Someone very insightful once said, “Tis better to give than to receive!” Amen to that!!
With all that in mind let me say, May your home and heart be filled with light and laughter, love and joy!  Keep a positive thought and attitude, be grateful for the things that you do have, and share a little of yourself.  Best wishes to you and yours for a Safe, Healthy and Happy Holiday!   This year and always!!!