Start with What You Enjoy and What You’re Good At

The best job path starts with understanding yourself. What you enjoy doing and what you’re naturally good at are strong clues for the kind of work that will suit you.

Ask yourself:

• What tasks give you energy instead of draining it?
  
  
• What do people often ask you for help with?
  
  
• What work have you done—paid or unpaid—that felt rewarding?
  
  
• What values matter most to you in a job?

You don’t need all the answers at once. Start by writing down your skills, interests, and any experience you’ve had, even if it’s not formal work. These can help guide your decisions and show you where your strengths lie.

 1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

Losing a job or struggling to secure a job can trigger a range of emotions, from shock and denial to anger and sadness. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to grieve. Remember, it’s okay to feel this way, and taking care of your mental health is crucial.  Beginning to refocus on where you want to be, will help you when you are ready to move to a more positive outlook for the future.

2. Unemployment Guide to Create a Financial Plan

One of the first steps is to assess your financial situation. Create a budget that prioritises essential expenses and identifies areas where you can cut back in the short term. This will help you manage your finances more effectively during this period.

Managing your budget effectively during unemployment is crucial to ensure you can cover essential expenses and reduce financial stress.

Top 10 ways to consolidate and manage your budget until you find work:

1. 1. Assess Your Financial Situation: Start by taking a detailed look at your current financial situation. List all your sources of income, savings, and expenses. This will give you a clear picture of where you stand financially.

   2. Create a Budget: Develop a budget that prioritises essential expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Allocate funds for these necessities first before considering discretionary spending.

   3. Cut Non-Essential Expenses: Identify and eliminate non-essential expenses. This might include dining out, subscription services, and entertainment costs. Focus on spending only on what is absolutely necessary.

   4. Negotiate Bills and Payments: Contact your service providers (e.g., utilities, internet, phone) to negotiate lower rates or set up payment plans. Many companies offer hardship programs that can provide temporary relief.

   5. Utilise Government Assistance: Apply for government assistance programs such as Centrelink in Australia, which can provide financial support during unemployment. These programs can help cover basic living expenses.

   6. Use Savings Wisely: If you have savings, use them carefully. Prioritise using savings for essential expenses and avoid dipping into retirement funds unless absolutely necessary.

   7. Seek Community Resources: Take advantage of community resources such as food banks, local charities, and non-profit organisations that offer support for those in need. These resources can help you stretch your budget further.

   8. Find Temporary Work: While you may want a full-time position, consider taking on temporary work to generate some income while you search for a full-time job. Job Boards, Job Service Providers, Job Agencies are a great place to start.

   9. Sell Unused Items: Sell items you no longer need or use. Online marketplaces like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace can help you turn unused belongings into cash.

   10. Track Your Spending: Keep a close eye on your spending by tracking every expense. Use budgeting apps or a simple spreadsheet to monitor your finances and ensure you stay within your budget.

By implementing these strategies, you can better manage your finances during unemployment and reduce financial stress. Remember, if you commit to accessing support and focusing your energy on where you want to be, this period can be temporary, and with careful planning and perseverance, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

3. Unemployment Guide to Update Your Resume and Online Presence

Take the time to update your resume and make sure it aligns to jobs your applying for. Highlight your skills, experiences, and any new qualifications you may have acquired. A good current resume and good online presence can significantly improve your chances of landing a new job, so make sure your social media reflects how you want an employer to see you as they will often look at your social channel when reviewing suitable applications.  You can do this with your employment adviser at TURSA who will help guide you,

4. Upskill and Reskill

Use this time to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. Depending on the roles you are applying for TURSA offer a range of short courses, programs and workshops to help you prepare, build your confidence and give you the information you need.  TURSA also partner with a number of other training organisations to help you with accredited training, licences and practical supports.

5. Network Actively

Networking is a powerful tool in job searching. Reach out to former colleagues, approaching business owners of industries that interest you, these are ways you can connect in the community and find what local businesses owners want and need. Building and maintaining connections can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support.

6. Stay Positive and Persistent

Job searching can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. It’s important to stay positive and persistent. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate each milestone. Remember, every application and interview is a step closer to your next job.

7. Seek Professional Support

This is where TURSA comes in. TURSA is a dedicated employment and training service provider they provide the ultimate unemployment guide that offers comprehensive support to job seekers. Whether you’re dealing with long-term unemployment, looking to upskill, or need help navigating the job market, TURSA can assist you in several ways:

• Personalised Job Plans: TURSA works with you to develop a job plan that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.
• Resume and Interview Preparation: TURSA provides guidance on crafting effective resumes and preparing for interviews, helping you present your best self to potential employers.
• Training and Upskilling: TURSA offers access to various training programs and courses to help you gain new skills and improve your employability.
• Ongoing Support: TURSA’s support doesn’t end once you find a job. They continue to provide assistance to ensure you succeed in your new role and maintain long-term employment
• Community Connections:  TURSA has over 30 years of building local community and business connections.  They can help link you to local employers, supports, training and much more.1

Unemployment Guide Success Stories

8. TURSA Success Stories

Here are a few inspiring success stories from TURSA:

• Mark’s Journey: Mark transformed his life through hard work, determination, and the support of TURSA. Coming from a challenging background, he sought help at TURSA and received invaluable assistance. With TURSA’s guidance, Mark secured a full-time position at Meales Concreting Pumping
  
   
• Suzanne’s Transformation: Suzanne, a former florist, faced health issues and personal loss, leading her to believe she was too old to find work. Through a training course funded by TURSA, she transitioned into the security industry and now enjoys working at high-profile events and meeting celebrities
  
   
• Cory and Fiona’s Success: At TURSA Grafton, Cory and Fiona completed a Customer Service course and obtained their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification. This training opened new opportunities for them in the retail and hospitality sectors

9. Practical Options for Surviving Unemployment

Your Unemployment Guide to Paying Bills:

• Budgeting: Create a budget to track your income and expenses. Prioritise essential bills like rent, utilities, and groceries. CLICK HERE FOR BUDGETING APP OPTIONS
• Payment Plans: Contact service providers to arrange payment plans or extensions if you’re struggling to pay bills on time. Many providers offer options to pay in smaller, more manageable amounts
• Government Assistance: Check if you’re eligible for government assistance programs like Centrelink, which can provide financial support during unemployment

How to use the Unemployment Guide to Affording Food:

• Food Banks and Pantries: Utilise local food banks and pantries that provide free or low-cost groceries to those in need.
• Community Meals: Look for community centres or churches that offer free meals.
• Budget-Friendly Shopping: Plan your meals, make a shopping list, and buy in bulk to save money. Look for discounts and shop at budget-friendly stores

Unemployment Guide to Local Services:

• Workforce Australia: This government service offers a range of support, including job search assistance, training programs, and personalized support to help you find and keep a job
• Community Services: Many local organizations provide support services such as counselling, financial advice, and job training. Check with your local council or community centre for available resources

Navigating unemployment can be challenging, but with the right mindset, strategies, and support from organisations like TURSA, you can turn this period into an opportunity for growth and new beginnings. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to your next opportunity.