As you are sitting down for dinner this Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends, it is inevitable that you will be asked what you are thankful for. Answers typically revolve around our families, our health and our careers, and these responses may roll right off of your tongue if you have a family, your health, and are gainfully employed; however, this feeling of gratitude does not come as naturally for those who are unemployed and struggling to find a job as the financial burden of the holiday season approaches.

Mustering gratitude in a grim employment situation can feel impossible this time of year, making it important that you find at least one area of your professional life to be thankful for. If you are unemployed and dreading the “what are you thankful for” discussion, try verbalizing some of these statements to see if any of them resonate with you.

 

I am thankful for…

…the chance to find a new career opportunity. For whatever reason, your last job wasn’t the right fit. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on being thankful that you have the opportunity for a fresh start.

…the team helping me to find employment. Not only do companies like Business Talent Solutions work to find you your next job, but they make it their mission to help you find the right match. If you are struggling to find something to be thankful for, think about the effort that is being put into ensuring that you don’t find yourself in the same situation next Thanksgiving.

…my job experience. Think back to the jobs that you have had, what you have learned from each position, and the skills that you have gained along the way. Instead of focusing on why you left those positions, be thankful that you have experience to fill your resume and talk about during interviews.

…time to reroute my career. Although unemployment feels a lot like a setback, try to view it as an opportunity to redirect your career. Be thankful for the time that you now have available to research and apply for positions that you are truly interested in.

…references and contacts that I have made. Reflect on the strong references that you have and the contacts that you have made throughout your career. If you have some time, connect with these individuals to talk about your next career move.

 

Instead of getting down about your current employment situation, head into Thanksgiving dinner with a positive attitude and sincere gratitude for where you are in your professional life and the opportunities that lie in front of you.