Beat the recession blues

If you're struggling to find a job or freaking out about your future, don't let the doom and gloom about the recession bring you down. Here's how to keep your chin up during times of 'economic uncertainty'.

Bad news

Every day there are stories in the media about financial hardship, job losses and redundancy. And whether you're working, job hunting or are a student, it's hard not to feel anxious and fearful about what the future holds.

"When you say the word 'recession' to me, I think that country is slowing down and falling apart, and that people aren't safe and secure in their job anymore," says student Rai Powell, 21, who plans to go into teaching.

Rai is a student but is living at home and worries about the extra financial strain this puts on the family. "My mother was made redundant so she has a lower paid job now. They struggle and I worry I also might not be able to get the job that I want when I leave uni."

Positive thinking

Fearing the worst won't make things any easier. It's important to try and think positively, otherwise you'll get stuck in a rut. Carole Ann Rice, life coach and author of Finding Your Dream Job believes developing a more optimistic outlook could be all that's needed to turn these fears into positive thoughts, putting a whole new perspective on the future. "If you've just left university and you're worried that you'll never find a job, the concern will seriously impede your chances of success," she says. "People are still hiring, there's just more competition, which is why you've got to be the dream candidate."

In practical terms, this means continuing to build up your skills – even if you're having trouble getting work. Use this time to think about what really make you tick and how you can turn this into a career. Applying for a work placement, volunteering or taking a gap year, for example, will give you a much better chance of standing out when applying for jobs in your chosen industry, and you may pick up some good contacts along the way. Approach organisations that you'd like to work for and let them know you are interested. Speculative CV's don't always work but if you don't try, you could be missing an opportunity - plus it's good to practise your job hunting skills, even when there's little around.  

Landing the ideal job will almost certainly not happen overnight, though, so it's important to stay motivated. Kate Wilson volunteered for the best part of a year before she was finally offered a job. "The negative headlines about the recession made me push myself, build my skills and find new ways to be a great employee," she says.

Undeterred by the prospect of not earning anything, she stuck at it and the gamble paid off. "I saw it as an investment in my future and, while I didn't get paid, I felt more useful, my confidence improved and it showed my future employer that I meant business."

Focus on the future

If you're unsure of what you want to do, don't panic. Speak to a specialist careers advisor. Trained to offer the best advice based on your skills and qualifications, they will recommend what you need to do to achieve your goals. This could be anything from extra study to gaining experience at grass roots level.

"If you're out there in the workplace, learning, making a difference and seeing the fruits of your volunteering, you'll be much better placed for job opportunities," says Kate.

While it might seem like all the doom and gloom will never end, the good news is that recessions don't last. Thinking long-term instead of focusing on the current situation can make all the difference, so put in the ground work now. There will be opportunities out there eventually. Flick your attitude switch to positive during the tough times and you'll be job-ready when the good times roll back in.

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