This may seem like an odd statement but I’ve found that people are uncomfortable being so close to unemployment. And the fact is you now personify that concept. Some people will handle it well but most will want to “fix” you and start blathering out “helpful” ideas. They’ll quiz you on what you’re doing about it. “What’s your strategy,” they’ll ask with deep concern. They’ll look at you with sad, helpless eyes. They may awkwardly change the subject to something more upbeat, vaguely say they’ll connect you with someone they know, or just wander off. For us it’s a very strange thing to watch and if you are not careful their discomfort becomes yours. Avoid this.
A good analogy in this respect would be to view unemployment like a fatal disease. Think about it. Continue reading
In Search of a Job Title 