Coping with job loss is stressful and often very isolating. Someone you know may be struggling with unemployment right now. It could be your neighbor, your sister, your best friend – and the impulse to help her is strong.
Help is a good thing, and there are MANY ways to help someone sidelined by a job loss. But take care; sometimes your best intentions can actually make things worse. And you don’t want that!
In this post, I’ll share six ways to help your unemployed friend. Simple tips based on my own experience with job loss – and on the ways I helped Mitch through two layoffs in one year.
Let’s dive in.
DISCLOSURE – This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of the links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.
How to Help Your Unemployed Friend
Is your friend “between jobs” due to a layoff or other job change? Here are six tips to help YOU help your unemployed friend. Things you can do right now to make her situation a little less stressful.
I would love to expand the list, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas. Have you helped someone through a job loss? Or has someone helped YOU during a jobless spell? Tell us about it in the comment section below this post.
Now for the tips.
1. Listen to Your Friend
“How is the job search going?” “Did you send out more resumes this week?” “I can’t believe they didn’t hire you.” “I’m sure you’ll find something soon.”
Sound familiar? You mean well when you ask your friend about the job search or offer her advice. But it’s important not to patronize or pity her. That will only make things worse.
Job loss is one of the ten most stressful life events. Your friend experienced a profound loss and could use your encouragement. What she may need more than anything is a sounding board. A listening ear.
So LISTEN to her.
Sometimes, listening is the best encouragement you can give your unemployed friend. So sit with her, hear her story, allow her to vent her frustrations. It is one of the best ways to show your support.
2. Pray for Your Friend
Prayer can lighten the burden of job loss, even if things don’t improve right away. So pray FOR your friend daily, and pray WITH her when you can. If you can’t pray in person, pray by phone (or Facetime or Skype).
Prayer was a HUGE help when I was looking for work a few years ago. It was a stormy time for me, and it’s hard to have faith in the middle of a storm. But prayer reminded me that God is sovereign over everything, even the storms.
Remind your jobless friend that God cares for her. He knows that she is going through a hard time. Encourage her to trust God, give EVERYTHING over to Him, and then … leave the results to Him.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
The quote above (Proverbs 3:5-6) has been my “life verse” since childhood. It never ceases to challenge and encourage me. It may be a good verse to share with your unemployed friend.
RELATED – How to Pray for Your Husband’s Job Interview
3. Remind Her of Her Worth
Job prospects are better now than in 2010, when Mitch endured two layoffs in one year (thanks to the Great Recession). Still, many people are looking for work today, including your jobless friend.
She may feel rejected, depressed, and alone in her situation. Without a job, her personal identity may feel threatened.
Remind her that she is not her job. Unemployment does not define her, and it’s not a reflection of her personal worth.
In fact, it may actually help your friend find her true identity. That’s what being jobless did for me (read more at the link above).
Unemployment showed me how much I had let my work define me. It helped me see myself from God’s perspective.
As I spent more time with Him, I began to replace the lies I believed with His truth. “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth …” (Psalm 86:11).
Satan’s lies are often at the root of our troubles, whatever they may be. Here are two books that may encourage your friend as she grapples with her value and self-worth:
- Lies Women Believe, and the Truth That Sets Them Free
- Lies Young Women Believe, and the Truth That Sets Them Free
RELATED – How Job Loss Helps You Uncover Your True identity
4. Affirm Your Friend’s Talents
You can also help your unemployed friend by affirming her talents. Help her consider her options based on her unique skills and spiritual gifts. Encourage her to:
- start a home-based business (example: launch a blog),
- take part-time work at home (Appen is hiring),
- enhance or further her education, or
- pursue a career change.
5. Offer Her Accountability
It’s hard to stay motivated and organized for a job search. Your unemployed friend may need an accountability partner. Offer to be that person.
As her accountability partner, you can help your friend stay focused on the task at hand. As well as providing emotional support, you can help her to:
- see the big picture,
- shift her priorities, and
- accept honest feedback.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins, like sending off an application or getting a job interview. Even if it doesn’t lead to anything, your friend will be glad to know that you’re cheering her on.
6. Have Fun Together
Your friend may be reluctant to spend money on entertainment or socializing when she’s out of work. If you usually spend a lot of money eating out, consider other ways you can spend time together.
Invite her to your place for dinner or drinks. Suggest a half-price matinee or free concert you can attend together. Ask her to join you for a brisk walk or run – or one of MY favorite activities: a hike in the woods.
If socializing doesn’t involve too much money, your friend may find it easier to join you. And when you DO get together, don’t discuss the economy or her job search. Just help her relax and have fun.
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. How have you helped an unemployed friend? If you are jobless, what help do you need right now?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
NOTE – You are reading “Your Unemployed Friend: 6 Ways to Help Her Right Now.” This post appeared on HubPages in February 2014. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
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