Unemployed and feeling hopeless

[Meltedcheeses]

I normally work in a busy senior job which involves lots of interaction with others.

I suddenly lost my job two months ago and am now after a period of distress (quite nasty circumstances and vonsiderd but ruled out involving Acas tormally) job hunting.

For now I'm looking to get a similar role to ones I've had before.

I am really struggling with being alone all the time (I live alone) and anxiety about the future. I support myself and have very little savings.

I'm doing all the right things in terms of job hunting but I'm becoming depressed. My friends try to be supportive but I don't think have been in this situation.

I try not to spend money I don't have to which means I'm not doing much.

The weekends are so hard because i used to really enjoy them but I know there will be no jobs posted today and no invitations to interview.

I feel so strange in this life and unable to enjoy it.

How can I feel more positive?

Whilst you are in limbo is it worth trying to get a job in a bar or restaurant? This would fill your evenings when you feel lonely. This sector is screaming for staff and it brings in a bit of money, presumably nowhere near what you are used to but it is something
Don't bother sending a cv - just walk in and ask.

Could you temp until you find something more permanent? That was you'd be getting social interaction with others and bringing in money

Could you take any kind of part time job for a few days a week whist leaving yourself time to job hunt for your ideal role ? You need not put it on your CV if you think it might affect your chances of getting another job in your desired field. Or do some voluntary work. I had a period of around 3/ 4 months last years where I left one job and before getting another and it was soul destroying just having too much time on my hands so you have my sympathy.

*way not was

I’m sorry this is happening op, the only advice I can give is you don’t have to spend money to have a good time- friends can come over for tea or dinner, you can go for walks and runs, and there is so much online now to teach yourself. You can have pampery nights in for next to nothing (olive oil and sugar for a scrub, conditioner left in for a long amount of time etc) You could also volunteer eg Dog walking? Do make sure you keep in proper contact with friends and family, it will be what deals it all. Best of best of luck with it all, hope it all changes soon

Thanks everyone. I plan to try and get at least a part time job of the kind you describe in a couple of weeks.

I think this would be good. It would feel productive and be social interaction.

There are theoretically so many nice things....sitting reading in the town library, going for a stroll in the park, doing some yoga at home that I could do....but I feel so tense and low that I never do them....addicted to job hunting and obsessively tweaking CV.

Thing is, you’re not just dealing with unemployment, you’re also dealing with the fallout of a horrible experience in your last job. I would spend some time reflecting on how to separate those feelings and rediscover your positivity. I agree with some volunteering… park run… plan some planting for the garden… temping. All would be great ideas.

Depression can sap you of all your energy so it’s not just about what you might do, it’s getting the motivation back to do it.

Volunteer. It's sounds as if you were working at a level where your skills would be useful to lots of charities, and it would be a great addition to your CV (and may even lead to a paid job).

Thanks.

I think everyone's helpful suggestions are making me realise I am depressed because I immediately see problems with them all or they feel unachievable. I don't think I've been depressed before.

I will try and meet a friend for coffee. She has had a bad week so hearing her troubles might make me feel less self absorbed and hopefully I can help her a little.

Yes I am anxious about how things ended with previous employers (who I had always got on well with prior to their final behaviour) and I think it has affected my confidence.

I was in this situation two years ago and couldn't get a job at the same level as the one I'd left. I recognise the feelings of frustration!

Eventually I took a 4 month job on a fixed term contract at a junior level reasoning I could still keep looking for a more suitable job and it was better than nothing. That job led to another fixed term contract at a more senior level with the same company for 9 months and gave me the chance to find a permanent job elsewhere when my contract ended.

Not for everyone but taking something on an interim/ contract basis worked for me.

Thank you @Metabigot

I'm going to give it one more week focusing on roles I really want then will do as you say. Glad it worked out for you.

Had a very unproductive day. Must get my self together.