Unemployed fathers and what they can do with their new realities

The devastation of a job loss is arguably one of the most difficult situations that anyone could face.  This is especially true for the fathers that find themselves at home without the proposition of going to work every day.  In light of the fact that the Phoenix metropolitan area is currently experiencing an 8.6% unemployment rate, this is certainly a reality for many dads and their families.

Aside from the obvious challenges of reentering the workforce, many men experience a level of depression that they have not known until now.  This means that the activity of making a living and providing for a family is often a core value for a man that goes much further than simply bringing home a paycheck.  While work should certainly not take precedence over the engagement of a father in the home, it certainly plays an important role for the male psyche.

With this in mind, what can a dad do to cope with this new found reality?  As a first step, take advantage of the extra time and forge deeper relationships with family.  Because most people spend more time at the office than they do at home, unemployment can serve as a great time to build even stronger bonds with those that matter most.  Practically speaking, build a routine with the kids and become part of the everyday activities that would normally be missed because of work.

Additionally, it is of great importance for any man to build and maintain a schedule for daily activities.  The inactivity of an out of work father is a prime place for depression to set up camp.  So, be diligent about scheduling time to search for work, update resume's and attend job fairs, network, and even time spent with family.  This will provide some sense of familiarity as it duplicates aspects of the work environment that has become so common place.

It is also of benefit to find and develop a new skill.  This may be as simple as picking up a new hobby, or it could be as significant as developing a skill set that can be applied vocationally.  Although Phoenix has been hard hit by the economic downturn, there are fields that have continued to provide opportunities in this market.  For example, the growth in the health care industry in Phoenix has continued to open doors for those that may be willing to gain a new skill set and change occupations.  The key here is to develop in areas that will work in conjunction with a father's commitment to the family.

As evidenced by the challenges that face every dad that is out of work, there is no silver bullet.  However, there does exist a great opportunity for fathers to surge forward and develop in areas that may not have been available while gainfully employed.  The challenge is to avoid getting caught up in what might have been and refocus on what lies ahead.