Being unemployed is a depressing experience. This difficult time is made worse by all the statistics everywhere blaring out the percentages of unemployed. The most recent table I could find was from the U.S. Census Bureau taken in 2009. These percentages may be a little better or worse in 2011.
Here are a few interesting facts on this subject.
20 to 24 year olds in the labor force was 75%
25 to 44 year olds in the labor force was 83.3%
45 to 54 year olds in the labor force was 81.3%
55 to 64 year olds in the labor force was 64.6%
This means that there are far more people employed than unemployed. Some of these people could have dropped out of the labor force for reasons other than being unemployed. These percentages paint a much brighter picture than the percentages daily of the unemployed. With far more people working than non-working, it means your chances are substantially higher to become one of those employed, rather than to remain in the lower percentage of the unemployed. These statistics PROVE people are working and finding jobs. So can you or I!
How can we begin to improve our chances of being in the percentages of employed rather than unemployed? Look today for those hidden opportunities. Get out and be friendly today. Contact people you haven't seen in awhile. Try to call or talk to old work acquaintances and friends. Chat it up with people when out doing your daily routines. Ask about any job openings they've heard of. If it sounds like a half-way decent opportunity, follow up on it.
While at it, carry the mental picture as you go, "There are far more people working than not working. I can be one of those working again." Now carry a smile with you. There is not a reason in the world that you or I can't also once again be one of those soon to be employed workers.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Feeling Overwhelmed...
Are days turning into weeks and then months? Do you feel like you just can't handle the stress of being out of work any longer? Rest assured, many others feel the same way as you do.
Here's a suggestion to better handle the overwhelming load of stress. Sit down and make 2 lists.
On the first list write down everything that you simply have no control over. These are the things you keep worrying about but simply have no control over. Examples: losing your last job, who will or will not hire you.
On the second list write down everything that is within your control to do. Examples: searching for a new and better job or a job just to pay the bills, getting any free help available to you.
Make these lists as long as you can. Keep writing. There are no right or wrong answers. Now, take a deep breath and take yourself a break from all this writing. Now come back to your lists you just made.
# 1: Look at the first list of problems outside of your control and decide that no matter how much you worry over these things, you simply have no power to change them. Decide that for now you will simply have to let these things go till some other time or day.
#2: Look at your second list of all problems you have some control over. Pick the top 2 to 3 problems facing you today off that list. Make a decision that just for today you will put all of your energy and focus into working on these 2 to 3 problems and let the rest of them go till tomorrow or the next day.
Now, tomorrow morning get up and pick some time to look over the list you can't control, worry for 5 or 10 minutes, then put it away. Pick up your list of all those problems you can control and pick the top 2 or 3 problems facing you that day on list. Now do this EVERY DAY. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Just focus on working today's problems and see if you don't feel just a little less overwhelmed.
Here's a suggestion to better handle the overwhelming load of stress. Sit down and make 2 lists.
On the first list write down everything that you simply have no control over. These are the things you keep worrying about but simply have no control over. Examples: losing your last job, who will or will not hire you.
On the second list write down everything that is within your control to do. Examples: searching for a new and better job or a job just to pay the bills, getting any free help available to you.
Make these lists as long as you can. Keep writing. There are no right or wrong answers. Now, take a deep breath and take yourself a break from all this writing. Now come back to your lists you just made.
# 1: Look at the first list of problems outside of your control and decide that no matter how much you worry over these things, you simply have no power to change them. Decide that for now you will simply have to let these things go till some other time or day.
#2: Look at your second list of all problems you have some control over. Pick the top 2 to 3 problems facing you today off that list. Make a decision that just for today you will put all of your energy and focus into working on these 2 to 3 problems and let the rest of them go till tomorrow or the next day.
Now, tomorrow morning get up and pick some time to look over the list you can't control, worry for 5 or 10 minutes, then put it away. Pick up your list of all those problems you can control and pick the top 2 or 3 problems facing you that day on list. Now do this EVERY DAY. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Just focus on working today's problems and see if you don't feel just a little less overwhelmed.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Paying Your Taxes This Year While Unemployed
Unemployment Compensation is taxable income. You may decide to withhold 10 percent (the minimum U.S. tax) of your unemployment benefits for federal taxes (Form W-4V); you can pay estimated quarterly tax; or you can pay it all come April 15. Whichever option you choose, you will be taxed based on your gross income for the year. Chances are you will owe more for the year than the 10 percent you paid.
If you work as a contractor or open your own business, you will need to file a 1099 form and pay out for taxes, Social Security and Medicare. If you plan to work for yourself for an extended period of time and expect to pay more than $1,000 in taxes on earned income, the IRS recommends you make quarterly estimated tax payments.
Like payroll withholding tax, you may still owe money at the end of the year, or you may receive a refund.
If you sell investments and property to help pay the bills, the proceeds will most likely be considered taxable income.
If it turns out you’re obligated for taxes you can’t pay, the IRS recommends you nevertheless file a return on time and pay what you can. You will still be charged interest on the amount owed and assessed late-payment penalties, but you’ll avoid the penalty for failing to file a tax return. You can also arrange at that time for a payment plan.
These are just a few things to keep in mind this year when you file your taxes while continuing your job search.
If you work as a contractor or open your own business, you will need to file a 1099 form and pay out for taxes, Social Security and Medicare. If you plan to work for yourself for an extended period of time and expect to pay more than $1,000 in taxes on earned income, the IRS recommends you make quarterly estimated tax payments.
Like payroll withholding tax, you may still owe money at the end of the year, or you may receive a refund.
If you sell investments and property to help pay the bills, the proceeds will most likely be considered taxable income.
If it turns out you’re obligated for taxes you can’t pay, the IRS recommends you nevertheless file a return on time and pay what you can. You will still be charged interest on the amount owed and assessed late-payment penalties, but you’ll avoid the penalty for failing to file a tax return. You can also arrange at that time for a payment plan.
These are just a few things to keep in mind this year when you file your taxes while continuing your job search.
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