Today marksd the last day of work for me as a PT teacher as my contract is up.
There is no more new class for me to teach.
There is this feeling of fear and listlessness that suddenly grips me as I face unemployment once again. Called me the serial jobless citizen!
Readers will know that I was also unemployed for about 20 months during the Sars period.
I quickly sent out some emails and sms last week to friends to look out jobs for me. It is a way of trying to say that I have done something to find alternative work. My conscience somehow rests easier after that.
Nevertheless, I faced a night of sleeplessness yesterday as I pondered on the options before me.
There are not many choices for employment now and it is pointless to even go to the recruitment agent. They will simply collect your resume and that’s it. I am not saying that they are no good but just that there are not many openigns now in this severe down turn.
I may also begin to work on my second book – a collection of stories on how the unemployed cope and whether they have learn any lessons out of this downturn. Hopefully, thsi will keep me busy for the next one or two months.
I learnt that the worst setback about joblessness is not about the lack of finances, though for some this could be the real pertinent issue, but that there is a severe dip in self esteem as we are all build to work and be connected to the society through meaningful activities.
I have lined upat least six interviews next week with some jobless people that I knew and have even arrange to volunteer half a day at Bizlink – a place whereby the disabled go to for work. It is my way of trying to stay connected with the society here.
I also have arranged to do some talks free of charge to churches and societies so that my self esteem will return hopefully. To me, nothing is more destructive than staying at home and doing nothing – I will go crazy after a few weeks.
Nevertheless, after going through a prolonged period of unemployment during the Sars period, I am much seasoned and battle ready by now. I somehow knew what are the pitfalls and try not to be buried by them again.
There is now also the mission to help out via my society’s activities those who are jobless and this keep my engine running. I am likely to run the society full time seeing the needs that are present to us now.
The unemployed need to think of ways to let the body and mind fucntion as normal as possible so that we will not be idling at home doing nothing constructive. The Spurs programme of engaging us via retraining is actually a good move by the government to let us stay connected with society. As we mingle with other people in a classroom setting, we will also learn much from one another.
I also intend to do a daily update on how I cope with joblessness. Hopefully, readers who read my daily update will find strength from my posting.
Meanwhile, I am trying to enjoy my last day at work today. Sob.
Gilbert
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I think you should feature more survival stories in your book, like how the umemployed managed to find jobs.
I will most definitely go mad if I’m unemployed for 20 months. 1 month is enough for me. Lucky I’m pro business, when the going gets tough, think of a business to start.
Good luck.
Ya that will be for my second book – stories of people who survived and coping well during unemployment. They also emerged victorious during their personal struggles while jobless.
Brilliant article thank you! – You really made me think and I’ll certainly be bookmarking your blog and recommending it to colleagues. Do you have a newsletter that I could subscribe to in order to find out more? Thanks again and keep up the good work!