New perspectives
Unemployment can be one of the most frustrating experiences in life.
The way people deal with it is as diverse as the people affected. From our coaching practice with over 4.000 individual career coaching sessions, we can derive some patterns – although these may not apply to everyone.
Many affected people feel helpless or simply "pissed off." Others initially experience relief. People over 50 are often hit particularly hard: the job market sometimes considers them inflexible, too slow, or too expensive—clichés that we actively challenge.
Anyone who has worked for the same company for a long time is suddenly confronted with new demands on the job market. self-promotion is not part of the daily tasks in many roles – but now it plays a role in determining success.
Fortunately, we live in times of a skilled labor shortage—very different from the 90s. What does this mean for you? Waiting can work, but it's not suitable for every profession or every stage of life.
Self-marketing strategies for the unemployed
An effective strategy combines a clear, positive attitude with concrete goals. Develop a personal brand that showcases your skills and passions—and consistently convey them in your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
What is important is a strong network (online & offline),
continuous training, individually tailored documents for each position and a proactive search.
If you would like to prepare specifically for your next interview, we recommend our Coaching to prepare for the interview – with role-playing, honest feedback, and a strong 5-8 minute self-presentation.
Feedback from applications is worth its weight in gold—use it to improve. And: take care of yourself. Good self-care keeps energy and motivation high. Document and celebrate progress—this builds confidence.
Career reorientation
Over 60% of our coaching sessions involve reorientation. Unemployment is often an opportunity to reflect on one's entire life: "Does my path still match my expectations? What do I really want? Do I want to continue in this job for the next few years?" The search for Fulfillment in professional life gains weight.
Unfortunately, unemployment is often perceived as a personal stigma in society – people hide it and withdraw. This is precisely the risk: a large proportion of jobs are filled through networks. Staying visible pays off.
For men in particular, job loss can be tantamount to a rupture of identity—the experience is often traumatic. Professional support helps them put the situation into perspective and remain empowered to act.
Insider tip: Recharge your batteries countercyclically
Unemployment—despite all the stress—is also an opportunity to discover what's truly important to you. Use this time to fulfill a long-held dream, for example, 3 weeks on the Way of St. James, a big South America tour or finally learn to sail properlyDistance creates clarity – and that's exactly what you need to make good decisions.
Quick check before departure:
- Agency/Availability: Clarify whether and how a trip must be reported to avoid disadvantages.
- Health/travel insurance & budget check, provide emergency contacts.
- Application setup Prepare: CV in the cloud, email forwarding, short out-of-office message.
- Use reflection: Jot down ideas and insights along the way – what do you want more of, what do you want less of?
Countercyclical behavior feels unusual at first – but often provides precisely the impulses that convince later in the conversation: Self-leadership, courage and clarity.
Bewerbungstraining
Managers and academics often struggle to reconcile the feeling of "not being needed" with their own self-image. "Selling yourself" feels strange at first—but it's something you can train and achieve authentic success.
Typical trap: hyperactive applications without a real fit. job interviews This can quickly come across as nervous or clichéd. A better approach is to take a helicopter view: "What have I learned? And what will I do differently in the future?"
Some people are so angry after a breakup that they fail to see their own part in it. This leaves them stuck in the victim role and misses out on opportunities for development. Coaching helps broaden their perspective.
Future strategy
With every rejection, doubts grow. Partnerships suffer, finances strain, sovereignty crumbles—that's exactly when a clear plan is needed.
Im career coaching We work holistically: assessing the experience of separation, examining limiting assumptions, and developing an inspiring vision. What should your professional life be like – a galley or a creative space?
Once goals are clear and blocking beliefs give way, implementation follows: roadmap, routines, application tactics, interview training.
One option may be self-employment – but please do so consciously. More on Starting a business from unemploymentEscaping into self-employment because you're "fed up" is rarely a sustainable basis – mindset and business logic must fit together.
We differentiate between career coaching and career counseling
Advice answers practical questions: Employment Agency, further training, benefits, secondary employment, The beginnings, social media, search agents, documents, Video application, Preparation for discussions with investors/employers.
Coaching focuses on identity, impact and decisions – the levels that enable sustainable results.
Career coaching with Subsidies
You can book coaching at any time according to our Price list Usually in packages of 3 to 9 hours. Funding via AVGS voucher is possible.
Every coaching session is preceded by a free initial consultation: We clarify your situation, goals, and options. Together, we decide how we can best support you.
Note: Take advantage of tax benefits
- Coaching costs are – depending on the individual situation – often as Advertising expenses (training costs) deductible; for self-employed persons usually as Business expenses.
- Outplacement can often tax-free via the severance agreement be processed if the employer covers the costs directly.
Important: This is not tax advice. Please check the details with your tax advisor or the tax office.