Leaving a job you hate is never an easy decision to make. You're happy because you no longer have to deal with the pain of waking up and going to work somewhere you feel unappreciated. However, you're miserable because you don't know where or when your next paycheck will come. I did a few things to help me deal with that difficult time and hopefully they'll help you as well.
1. Prayer makes a difference.
One day, I was driving home from a meeting after I was unemployed and I reached a red light. An older woman was collecting funds to help other women who were homeless in the local area and she stopped at my car. She told me about the cause and asked if I'd like to donate. I replied, "I'd love to but I can't because I'm broke right now." She smiled at me and said, "You're not broke, you're just in between blessings." She volunteered to pray for me while the light was still red and I happily agreed. The very next week, I got a new job. Prayer is speaking life into the things you want. So don't be afraid to ask God for guidance through prayer.
2. Read. Read. Read.
I used to have a love-hate relationship with reading books but when I was unemployed, I had so much free time and spent a lot of it overthinking and worrying. To offset those negative thoughts, I got back into the habit of reading positive thoughts. Find what kind of books intrigue you and spend at least an hour a day reading. If you want to be a chef, read books by successful chefs. If you're like me and your dream is to be a radio host, read books by successful radio hosts. Take notes from the great people that have made it in the field you would like to pursue. It will give you a lot of insight trust me.
3. Learn a new skill.
Now that you're not working for the man, you can work on yourself. Don't think of it as a curse but a blessing. What skill in your life would you like to improve on? For me it was cooking. I haven't always been the best cook. But during the times that I've been jobless, I was able to practice my cooking skills. I went from not knowing how to cook simple meals, to becoming Chef Ayesha Curry in the kitchen (okay I'm exaggerating but you understand). Pick up that guitar that's been collecting dust in your room. Start doing those workouts you said you'd do months ago but didn't have time. Learning new skills will motivate you to be better you and you can start putting those new skills on your resume.
4. Don't lose hope.
I know it's easy to feel depressed when you go on Instagram and see your friends taking trips to fancy places but don't lose hope. Keep applying to your dream jobs. Don't be afraid to apply to places that are more prestigious because you're not "good enough." Apply anyway. Don't be shy to call companies that you're interested in or ask places you like if they're hiring.
And always remember, you're not broke. You're in between blessings.
