5 things to be thakful for if you're unemployed

It’s Thanksgiving and with the unemployment rate holding steady at 9% there are certainly more than a few people out there wondering what in their current condition could constitute some sort of thanks. If you’re one of those folks maybe it’s time you remembered Disney’s Pollyanna staring Haley Mills. In the movie a young girl turns a town’s frown upside down with her optimistic disposition.

Despite being orphaned and then adopted by her aunt who turns out to be the town bully, Pollyanna insists on looking on the bright side. She plays “the glad game” whenever things seem difficult and encourages others to do the same. To play the game, one has to find the good in any situation no matter how horrible or disappointing it may seem at first. Pollyanna even finds a reason to be thankful when she mistakenly receives a set of crutches instead of a doll.

While it’s understandable to feel things are stacking up against you it’s important to make sure you don’t lose sight of the things that are working in your favor. Stewing in negativity never helped anyone so make sure you can look and see the silver linings. To start here are 5 things you can be grateful for if you’re unemployed this Thanksgiving.

1. The economy is recovering – It looks like it’s going to be a long slow process but at least it’s getting better instead of worse.
   


2. Better job search tools than ever before- With online databases, recruiting services, even public transportation, it’s much easier to look for a job than ever before.



3. Unemployment isn’t disability - Joblessness among people with disabilities is over 14% and even though the recession is healing the disability is not. When the opportunity arises you will be able to work again.



4. People do care - Whether it’s the church pantry for food or a clothes-swap program for an interview there are places that will help you out and hook you up.



5. You’re not alone, it’s not you, it’s everybody and everybody knows that. No one is looking down on you because you’re out of work. Lots of people know exactly how you feel.

No matter what, it could always be worse; at least you’re not the turkey. If you think about it I’m sure will find you are thankful for many more things that that. If you try to list at least 3 blessings everyday you’ll realize how rich and rewarding existence is even without a paycheck.

Are you looking for a job in the Philadelphia area? Check out PhillyJobs.

By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner and a work-from-home mom.