Thousands of job seekers fall off unemployment every week, but we don't hear about those numbers.
DOL does track "Discouraged Workers". DOL reports for July 2009:
"Among the marginally attached, there were 796,000 discouraged workers in July, up by 335,000 over the past 12 months. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently
looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them.
The other 1.5 million persons marginally attached to the labor force
in July had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey
for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities."
Almost 800,000 people (and that number is probably much larger) have "reported" they aren't looking for work because they don't believe there are jobs out there.
THE GOOD REASONS TO TAKE A BREAK
- Going back to school
THE UNFORTUNATE REASONS TO TAKE A BREAK
- Family responsibilities
THE OTHER REASONS TO TAKE A BREAK
- None
It is easy to get discouraged. Here are some ways to prevent job search drop out:
- Don't over-do it. Spending too much time on your search can burn you out. All things in moderation.
- Be realistic about what jobs you are looking for.
- Be realistic about how long it will take you to find a job (it will be longer than you want and expect) 53.7% of the unemployed have been looking for over 15 weeks (DOL, 7/2009).
- Hold yourself accountable or find someone who will (probably not your spouse or partner).
- Set smaller weekly or daily goals instead of the big one (to Get A JOB).
- Don't go it alone. Join a networking or support group.
- Ask for help when you need it (when, not if. You will need help).
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
