Imaniceperson.com - 5 Nice Ways to Help Your Unemployed Friends

ILikeNicePeople writes "At the time of this Nice Story, in 2009, the US economy is in a recession. Companies are struggling and people are out of jobs. Current figures show unemployment close to 10% of the population.

With approximately 1 in 10 people being out of work, just about all of us know someone who is currently out of a job or struggling financially.

Today's nice story offers 5 ways we can help our unemployed friends without hurting their pride.

Being unemployed is tough. You struggle to pay the bills necessary for survival. After paying rent or mortgage, utilities, phone bills, etc., you don't have extra money for much at all. You cut back on things like food and entertainment, and luxuries such as vacations are out the window.

While the commonality of being unemployed is substantial, it doesn't make it any easier on those who are struggling. Many get depressed, and most don't want to broadcast to the World that they are struggling out of embarrassment. If you offer handouts, many will refuse out of pride.

Our suggestion is to help these people in a way which doesn't offend or embarrass them. Here are a few examples which may be of use.

1. Invite them over for dinner: People who are unemployed are often worried about feeding their families. Nice meals at restaurants are out, so an invite from you can fill several voids. First, you're saving them money on groceries. Second, you are giving them some form of entertainment without expense. And finally, you are reaching out to them to let them know you appreciate their company. When people are feeling worthless this may be what they need to lift their spirits.

How you ask is also important. Instead of offering to feed their family since they're broke, mention you want to spend time with them. Schedule your "get together" around dinner time. You may even ask them to bring something small to make them feel like they're not receiving a handout. Something like, "I'm out of napkins, do you have any napkins or paper towels you can bring?"; or "Would you mind bringing some CD's for us to listen to?, or "Do you have a board game or a deck of cards we could use". Now they feel like they are contributing and at worst they get a nice meal for the cost of a package of napkins.

2. Invite your unemployed friends to a free activity: You could try meeting at the local park for a walk, you could stop by and visit, or you could invite them to join you in a sports activity such as tennis, throwing a ball, or playing frisbee.

3. Offer them some odd jobs. Again the key may be tact. You don't want them to feel like you're giving out handouts. You want to create a situation where you NEED them. For example, you could say, "We've got to go to a meeting tonight (or several meetings this week). Is there any way you could watch our children/pets while we're away?" You would be surprised at how much a $20, $50, or $100 could help out a friend who is out of work. Maybe there's a chore which you could use them for. You could suggest, "My allergies are so bad I can't hardly cut the grass without getting sick. Is there any way you could help me?" Again, you've created a NEED for them. Feeling needed is very important for someone who is out of work.

4. Offer clothes or other household items: Don't offer them as a handout, offer them as something you no longer have use for which you're going to get rid of. You could say, "I've got 4 pairs of pants which don't fit me any more. Would you want to see if any of it fits you? I would much rather let a friend use this stuff than to give it away to someone I don't know." Now instead of a handout it sounds more like your just offering something out to a friend.

5. Offer your encouragement: Quite often your unemployed friends will be lacking in confidence. It is very important that you offer your support during these tough times. Let them know they are your friend regardless of job status. Your true friends aren't your friends because of what they have; they are your friends because of who they are. Sometimes they may need a listening ear. Be that person, and try not to offer too much advice. Answers are a lot easier to come up with when your not in their situation; so don't over advise. Try to be understanding, sympathetic, and available. This is most often what they need from a friend.

As the old saying goes...this too shall pass. The economy will rebound, your unemployed friends will find jobs, and the World will continue to turn. Use these times to strengthen your relationships, become more aware of the blessings you have, and to learn ways to protect yourself when hardships occur in the future.

Have a NICE day.
The ImaNicePerson.com Staff

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