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Unemployment

Information on dealing with unemployment.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Unemployment doesn't just effect your finances, it also hits your self-esteem and is very stressful. If you’ve lost your job or if you are unable to find a job it’s not easy to stay relaxed and worry free. Through your local dole office/FAS/job centre you can find out about  jobs, voluntary work options and adult education options.

Dealing with unemployment

  • It’s important to look for support and advice on finding a new job. Talk to your local careers office or youth information centre to find out about what jobs, voluntary work options and adult education options there are.
  • Visit your local social welfare office and claim (sign-on) for unemployment benefit or assistance (the dole). In Northern Ireland go to your local Jobcentre and ask to claim jobseekers allowance (the dole). You need to bring your passport of birth cert, another form of I.D. (driver’s license or identity card), a household bill (ESB, heating, phone) and your P45 form (you get this leaving a job) from your last job or a letter from your last boss saying you no longer work there. Further information on getting social welfare is available here.
  • Make a budget so that you can see how much money you’re going to be living on. Find out more about money and tax issues here.
  • Living on a small amount of money can change your lifestyle: look for cheap or free forms of exercise and entertainment like going for a run, joining the public swimming pool, inviting friends over to dinner and drinking only a little on nights out (its better for your health too!). 
  • If you are worried about paying rent or your mortgage, find useful information here.
  • While you are applying for jobs, think about doing voluntary work or returning to education to improve your CV. 
  • Most importantly don’t blame yourself for being unemployed: there are lots of other people in the same situation. Check with your job centre or community centre if there are local groups or projects to help people who are out of work.
  • FAS provides a range of services to help people find work and learn new skills. The FAS website has information on a huge number of options for anyone looking for work or qualifications from crafts to computers to farming to finance.
  • If you’re between 15 and 18 and have left school early you can train with YouthReach. The training is full-time (you get an allowance) and covers work experience, skills and general education.
  • Contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) or the National Debtline (0808 8084000) for advice and information if you are worried about debt. There are MABS offices in every county and ithey offer a free, confidential service. If you are in Northern Ireland then visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for financial advice.
  • Find information on reduced hours or pay.
  • If you are thinking of leaving Ireland for work, you'll find useful information here.

www.redundancy.ie provides supportive information for anyone who has recently become unemployed. You can also find useful information at www.losingyourjob.ie.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed also has a comprehensive information service and can be contacted via phone or email:

  • Welfare Information Helpline is available at 01 - 856 0088, Monday - Friday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.

 

Ways of staying active when unemployed:

  • Being unemployed can be stressful so it's important to take measures to protect your physical and mental health.
  • Try to exercise regularly, preferably daily. It does not have to be a massive gung-ho exercise session. The gym can be great if you can afford it, as not only will you exercise but you will get out of the house and meet people. There are plenty of other free or cheap exercises though, such as walking, running or swimming. You could also arrange to exercise with a friend.
  • Try to stick to a somewhat normal routine. You don't need to go to bed at nine, but if you are going to bed when the rest of the world is getting up, you will probably feel more isolated than ever. Plus, it will be hard to call agencies if you don’t wake up till four in the afternoon. You also need adequate amounts of light for your mental health.
  • Make a plan for yourself every week so that you do some job research or phone calls or applications every day. Maybe set yourself a goal; like to apply for three jobs a week or something like that.
  • Food is fuel. Tasty fuel that will help keep you in a positive frame of mine. Junk food gives you a brief high but will then lead to a nasty low. This is the last thing you need when you are going through the stress of trying to find a job. Instead keep yourself fueled with clean protein, healthy fats and good carbs such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrains.

See the help section for contacts details of support organisations.

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