If you are like me, COVID not only has led to a whole host of challenges but also resulted in a job loss. I unfortunately lost my job of five years due to the pandemic, and as a single mom and sole supporter of my household, this has been a very stressful time.

I am a very positive person, so I put on my big-girl panties. I keep looking at the positive and refuse to settle for a job that doesn’t suit me. I know a great opportunity is out there for me and understand many others are in the same boat.  

The job market is tough right now but there are things you can do to make the search easier and keep your spirits up. Your job right now is finding a job. Here are some tips I have found very helpful to keep the search active and ensure I am not missing any great career opportunities!

1. Get up every day and get on that computer. Do it at the same time every day so you can access all job posts within 24 hours and not have to scroll through older postings.
2. LinkedIn and Ladders have been the best source of higher-level positions. Monster, Indeed and Glassdoor are useful to browse every day, but you will need to weed through a lot of more-junior positions.
3. Set up alerts so that when a job is posted that fits your specifications you will receive an email notification.
4. I found that looking for positions that allow for remote work opens up jobs across the world that could be a fit. In today’s environment, there are a lot of remote positions available. The landscape has definitely shifted in this respect.
5. Leverage your network. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a business network like Moxxie, people you used to work with, friends and family. There is no shame in sharing that you’re out of work. You never know where a great opportunity may arise.

So, how do you keep your sanity and remain positive? These are some ways that have definitely worked for me!

1. Realize you won’t get this time back. I enjoy every minute I get to spend with my son: driving him to school and picking him up, having hours where I would typically be at work to spend with him while he is young. This time is precious, so enjoy it!
2. Do things for yourself.Take a walk, pick up a hobby, read a good book, immerse yourself in a TV series. (I am gearing up to learn Spanish!)
3. Do not watch too much news on TV. Try to stay away (as much as you can) from dwelling on the news and don’t watch it right before bed.
4. Connect with family and friends on Zoom, FaceTime and Facebook Messenger. I have actually connected more often with some family members and friends during this time than prior to the pandemic. It is great to re-establish relationships and talk to people.
5. Get active.What better time than now to shed some unwanted pounds, cook healthier meals, take the dog for a walk. If you feel better in your body, you will feel better in your entire self.
6. Don’t get discouraged. We will get through this and a great opportunity could be just around the corner.

I understand how tough it is to wonder when you will be getting a steady paycheck again, but take advantage of the extra unemployment and the stimulus checks, deferred mortgage opportunities and the ability to withdraw from various investments without penalty.

I know a great opportunity is out there, and I will look back on this time with fond memories of being there for my son (and dog) and how precious it is to connect fully with my family.

Liz Vickers is in transition (but hopefully not for long!). You can find her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-vickers-9282042/