The Importance of Work-Shape

As companies continue to lay off workers, employees are forced to make difficult decisions. Some individuals are forced to choose between unemployment benefits and a lower paying job than they are accustomed to. New York State pays qualifying individuals a whopping $405.00 a week in unemployment benefits. So what should you do if you have been offered a new job and the weekly salary is only a few dollars more than weekly unemployment benefits?

Unless you have three-six months of savings, you should take the job. One of the key benefits of steady employment is something called Work-Shape. Professional athletes often prepare themselves physically and psychologically for several months, to maintain and improve their performance. One of the dangers of being unemployed for a considerable length of time is being out of work-shape.
Most experts agree that it takes at least thirty days before human beings develop a consistent routine. The longer you remain unemployed, the more time is required to get back into work-shape. If you're one of the casualties of this economic crisis, there are a few steps that you can take to retain your edge, ability and attitude.

1. Develop a routine that mirrors an eight hour work-day.
2. Exercise at least thirty minutes a day.
3. If you have access to a computer, review Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Access at least one hour per day.

This routine should help you to retain your technical skills, just in time for the next opportunity around the bend. Finally, keep a positive attitude and don't be afraid to visualize your future job. If you have a vision of where you would like to be, there is a great chance that you will make the appropriate decisions and take the right steps to get there.

Don't be afraid to rekindle old acquaintances and friendships that fell apart. There are always opportunities. If you do not ask, no one will know that you're in need. I myself recently found employment through a former classmate. Had I not asked for help, this individual would not have been able to assist me.