"I've lost a sense of belonging" was Jane's honest reply to my question about the worst part of being unemployed.
With eight or more hours devoted to the workplace each day, most of us develop an experience of community that we take for granted—until we lose it.
Whether or not we get along with all of our co-workers, we tend to develop relationships at work that go beyond the necessary work-related conversations or collaborations. For most, there's a feeling of connection and built-in support system for life's trials and jubilations. From sounding boards to cheerleaders, the people with whom we work can serve important roles in our lives, even if our connection exists exclusively at work.
When we become unemployed for whatever reason, we lose the connections that have progressed beyond talk about the weather or favorite sports teams. With our thoughts focused on more obvious losses like income and benefits, the loss of community is unanticipated and sobering.
While we cannot replace the relationships from our last job, we can work to make new connections that help us feel part of a larger community.
Here are a few examples of resources to tap:
1.Career One Stop centers are sponsored by the Federal and State Governments and offer a vast array of services and programs. In Maine, the Career Centers are located in 22 towns and cities. The Portland, Maine office sponsors UP Groups (Unemployed Professionals) that feature speakers, job search tips and great opportunities to network with fellow job seekers. Check out the One Stop office in your area.
2.Chambers of Commerce networking opportunities are great places to meet new people, learn about issues in the marketplace and develop contacts for your job search. Check out the Chamber of Commerce in your area for a calendar of events.
3.Regular informal meetings with friends will keep commitments in your calendar and give you a chance to connect and, even ask for help with your transition.
4.Adult education classes—could this be the time to take that class in car mechanics, Microsoft Office, or intro to watercolors? You never know whom you might meet there…
5.Community service agencies often need volunteers to help with projects. Making a short-term commitment can provide structure to your week, new relationships, a welcomed balance to your job search efforts and allow you to feel productive.
Re-building a sense of community takes effort and determination. It's a good idea to resist the tendency to isolate by exclusively using the internet for your job search. If you balance your strategies with a combination of time alone and time for socializing and networking, you'll probably feel less alone and more upbeat and connected to your plan of finding new work.
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Events featuring or sponsored by Heart At Work
April 4,5.6: Women's Life Expo, Portland. Barbara presents: Live Your Life. Love Your Work At Any Age. Details: www.expoproducers.com
April 12-May 1: Through The Portal, a personal and professional development series for women facilitated by Barbara Babkirk and Susanna Liller.
Details: www.throughtheportal.biz
April 19-May 10: Saturday Career Workshop Series with Amy Jaffe
Details: http://www.barbarababkirk.com/amy.html
May 8: HR Convention at the Samoset Resort in Rockport: Barbara and Amy Jaffe, will co-present a workshop: "Averting Quarterlife and Midlife Crises in Your Workplace: 5 Key Retention Strategies".
Details: http://www.mainehr.com/convention/
September 21-27: Barbara's annual Women's Week in Provence.
Details: www.yourprovenceretreat.com
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