Job loss, job search and fear of the future

Parenthood and work

Yeah, parenting was challenging even before Corona. You want to function for your family, earn the money and otherwise simply be a good mother or father for your children. But what if you lose your job and start to doubt yourself? "Somehow it will go on" is a good approach, but oftentimes it's not enough on its own. Questions that are currently on the minds of many parents can be: "Will we keep our job?", "Will the money be enough to support the whole family?" or "What can we do now? We at the parents' hotline have put together some initial helpful advice:

• In case of imminent job loss, create clear relationships with the employer, talk about the current situation and possibilities.
• If you are dismissed, you should in any case immediately apply for unemployment benefit at the Employment agency or job centre..
• In addition to unemployment benefits, the Agentur für Arbeit will also support you in your job search and application process or in a meaningful Further training. Especially in changing times.
• There are also various job portals such as Indeed, Stepstone, LinkedIn or Monster.
• If your fears about the future become so great that your everyday life suffers considerably from them, it is advisable to seek psychological help. It is not a sign of weakness, but on the contrary: a sign of strength. Get help, dare you! Here you can find counselling centres (Here you can find advice centres).

What young people can do now

There is also great uncertainty among young people, with talk of an alleged "Corona generation" making the rounds. Even if perhaps one or the other big plan bursts, like the trip abroad, the future for most teenagers is still relatively good. Those who have the Abitur can go to university in any case and also with the apprenticeship place it looks relatively good. Nevertheless, there is certainly a lot of room for uncertainty: "Will the company I want to do an apprenticeship with still exist next year?", "Will I find a job with my apprenticeship?", "Is it still worth my while to make an effort at school? These questions do not pass young people by without leaving their mark. It is especially important that parents support their children and take their concerns seriously. The following options for action can help:

• Look for alternatives: These could be similar training institutions or professions or a voluntary social year. The Federal Employment agency provides extensive advice in this area.
• Application documents check: Are the application documents good enough? Have I entered everything important? Especially hobbies, special interests or personal commitment can be important. Get advice if necessary.
• Is there possibly a school-based way to achieve the goal? Is it possible to obtain a higher school leaving certificate (intermediate school leaving certificate, (vocational) school leaving certificate? A higher school leaving certificate improves your chances of finding a training place or a place at university.
• Interim solutions and temporary jobs do not have to be of long duration, but can provide positive incentives for further progress and broaden horizons and interests.
• Keeping the goal in mind: a good high school diploma has an impact on later life, especially after the pandemic.
• Seek contact with familiar people to talk about fears about the future: These can be parents, friends but also school social workers or teachers.

Using the crisis as an opportunity

Difficult times may be scary on the one hand. But they also evoke special forces in us, as we are forced to deviate from old patterns. We have often heard it said that every crisis holds a chance, and yes, there is a lot to be said for that. Above all, you have to believe in it - because, as the saying goes: Faith moves mountains!

Author: Arian Graser

Published on 02.12.2020