With the economy the way it is right now stress is at an all time high for most parents. The thought of keeping, losing, or finding a job can be stressful . For children this can be stressful for them as well. Let them know, that everything is going to be okay. Let them know that tough times come, but they eventually pass. It teaches your children valuable lessons about persevering. Tell them they can help both of you by continuing to do good in school, making the right choices, and giving a helping hand around the house with chores.
"Nobody ever really knows what is going to happen next. We can speculate. We can guess. We can hope. We can worry. We can stress! How we deal with change, is the most important part. Always ask yourself, is this something I can change? If you can't change it, ask yourself what you can do to create opportunity from this change. In other words, what you do next should be directed at creating opportunities for a better life for you, and your loved ones."
Not very long ago the Director of a Child Day Care was let go. She had been at this job for over ten years. She couldn't believe she was fired! She was hurt. She was disappointed. It all seemed to happen as though nothing she did mattered. Instead of asking herself what she did wrong. She asked herself what she did right! She saved the Child Care facility money with good operation skills. She had an excellent rapport with the parents and knew all the children by name. It was nothing more than a business decision to let her go. Instead of feeling sorry for herself she decided to do something for her. She used a portion of her IRA to start her own Child Day Care. It was located right across from an Elementary School. Her Child Day Care now does better than the Company she left as Director! So here she is now in her late 50's owning her own business. The bottom line is this; she created something positive out of something negative. You have the ability to change the outcome.
Make it happen! Right your goals down! If you are trying to keep your job ask yourself what habits you can improve on to set yourself apart from other employees. Give 110% every day. Instead of using all your energy worrying about losing your job; use your energy on good habits to keep it. Think of ways the company can save money. Think of ways the company can increase sales in tough times. Come in early and be the last one to leave. Watch the time you take for lunch. If you are a Salesperson and you are required to make 10 outside sales calls per day - make more! Be a doer! Management notices employees by the office coffee machine chatting. They notice personal calls and personal e-mails. Hit the ground running. If you work in an office, is your desk cluttered and messy? Keep it clean and orderly. Never talk bad about other employees. Make time at home to relax and de-stress. Go for a walk. Try not to watch the news or read the paper. 3% of all the bad in the world is presented on T.V. in less than one hour. Stress you don't need to hear at the end of an already stressful day. Be sure to get a good nights sleep. Wake up early, giving yourself time to slowly break yourself in to what you want to accomplish for that day.
If you are looking for a job. Learn breathing techniques to help you handle the stress of an interview. Dress professionally. You should never be going to an interview wondering if your shoes match. Give your self plenty of time to prepare and to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Do not discuss with the interviewer anything about your financial woe, how many kids you have to support etc., Instead, tell them who you are, what your skills are, and why you are the perfect fit for the job. Eye contact shows confidence. Great posture shows self-assurance. Relaxed legs and hands show you are at ease. Ask questions to show you are interested in the Company. When the interview has ended, the interviewer will stand up to indicate the interview has ended and will thank you for coming. This is a great opportunity to shake their hand firmly, however courteously; look them in the eye and let them know you are interested in the position. If given the opportunity would make them proud to have you on their team. Don't get discouraged, keep looking, keep interviewing. When you are at home worrying you are like a great T.V. Commercial that doesn't have air time! Get out there! How you react to change will determine the outcome.
If you are a stay at home spouse, do your best to keep the house straightened up. Show your spouse you are trying to save money. Encourage them that no matter what happens there are always people out there worse off. Don't complain. If you are having trouble making payments. Live within your means. Write a list of ways you can save or look for bargains. Go through your bills to see what you can cut back on to save. If you have high credit card debt consider a home equity loan to consolidate bills. Tear up the credit cards. Credit cards companies are looking for new ways to charge consumers. As Melody on Good Morning America says; "Keep only one credit card, get rid of the rest." If you are interest rate is high. A home equity loan may be at a lower interest rate and the interest is tax deductible. Even on cards you don't use retailers may STILL be charging a non use fee. Sell clothing your kids have outgrown on an Auction site or Craig's List. Cut your own grass or shovel your own snow instead of having someone do it for you. Give yourself a manicure instead of going to a Salon. Make your own baby food. Use cloth diapers. You get the idea. Plan family movie night or after dinner walks that send the message that no matter what, you are a family, and you'll get through it together. If you are still feeling low about your financial situation seek Professional Help and guidance . Take baby steps towards a stress free life.
