Let’s face it: in today’s job market, it’s a jungle out there. 

once upon a time, people could go get a job, remain with the same company until retirement and possibly have their children follow in their footsteps.  Unfortunately, the average American will remain at their current job for only two years before being axed/laid off/or moving on to something else.  But in the event that this occurs, what is an individual to do? 

Im glad you asked, because like the title says, surviving unemployment is a lot like surviving in the wilderness if you get stuck. So who better to learn from than the great survivalist Bear Grylls?

1.) get your bearings

Being laid off or fired is never easy to handle. Coming into work, expecting to do just that only to find out that your services are no longer required will knock the wind out of anybody faster than a hurricane blowing a Cessna off course. Feelings of grief may occur shortly after being terminated, as well as doubt, inadequacy or rage.

Once your job is lost, however, you need to “get your bearings” on your situation, and start setting a path. Call friends, family or close contacts. Some churches even offer “unemployment networks” that help individuals after a job loss . Being shocked or dismayed is ok, but getting yourself stuck in rut for two long helps no one, especially yourself. Process the shock and get help/advice quickly.

2.) set a course

Once you have your bearings straightened out, make a plan and set a course. In survival, having your eyes set on a landform or point of reference to move towards keeps you from wandering dangerously off
Course or even wandering in circles. Make a course of action and stick with it. Get feedback and help from friends and family from time to time, but
Stick with it!!

3.) swallow your pride (Bear Grylls certainly does)
One of the things I have to hand I bear is that he could simply tell you about things to eat in the wild. He doesn’t have to eat animals live to make his point. It be does. Nowhere else does he make this point know then on an episode about surviving the African savannah: bear talks about how if you desperate for water, fresh elephant dung is a source of water. He could have just squeezed the elephant turd he had in his hand to make his point, but no…he squeezes the water into his mouth.

In our quest for work, sometimes we may need to do the same thing, and please understand I don’t mean swallowing elephant poo-water. Bear could just make an educated point and leave it to the viewers imagination, but no..he literally swallows his pride. When looking for a job, sometimes we need to swallow our pride and take a job or part time job to fill in while looking for something more permanent. I did this myself after finding out that I was going to be laid off after a contract I had would expire. I got a part time job working third shift at a Tim Hortons to supplement income in the month leading up to that lay off.
I was exhausted working two jobs 16 hours in addition to doing a start up, but the supplemented income helped greatly. Don’t let pride get the best of you and swallow your pride if needed.

4.) always be prepared

If you ever watch an episode of “man vs wild” bear is always carrying a spark lighter around his neck. Even on his reality game show, “get out alive” it hangs around his neck. While we can’t always prepare for the unknown, bear proves a point: we can prepare for what matters most.
If you know a lay off is coming, start saving with an emergency fund. Dave Ramsey suggests 1,000.00 if your married and 500.00 if your single- even if a lay off isn’t imminent, make sure you have liquid cash on hand that you can grab at a moments notice. Another thing you can do is keep your cv/resume up to date and your list of contacts and references strong.
Follow the Boy Scout Motto: “Always be prepared!!”

5.) keep moving and NEVER give up!!!!

Zig Ziegler once said “don’t get stuck in a rut, it’s just a grave with both ends kicked out”. In wilderness survival, one thing that bear always explains to the viewer is to stay positive and upbeat: make your situation as funny and enjoyable as you can. Lean on your church. Friends or family during this difficult time and know that it won’t at forever.
One idea would be to set goals like ” I will write to three companies today” and follow up each week with an email / phone call. Make a visual reference, even something silly. After Jim tresses was fired, I cam back to my job finding some penn state and michigan fans placing some images around my office. While I threw away the others, I kept the pic of Jim and added some of the other greats (Paul brown, woody Hayes, earl Bruce) next to his.

I’ll follow this blog up with some others about surviving unemployment, but I hope you found this article informative, funny and reliable. Please feel free to leave comments. Thanks and see you again soon!!