Unemployed? Work as a Family

Copyright ©  2008  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Unemployment is a family affair. Include your family in new decisions to be made. As a family, discuss how income is to be spent, what is and what is not important. Be prepared to change your standard of living, at least temporarily, so you do not have to give up basic necessities. Your immediate goal is to survive emotionally and financially until future goals are decided and directions are charted.

If you have established good communications with your family, you are fortunate. Communications help the family share concerns and decide what alternatives are available and what actions are necessary. Remember that communications include active listening. This is not easy for many people. It is a skill that must be learned. Active listening includes giving full attention to understanding not only what the person is saying, but also the feelings of that person.

Source: Billie H. Frazier, Maryland Human Development Specialist, Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, 1982-83 in "Unemployed? Watch Your Stress," leaflet 150.

Sue Meyers
Family Sociologist

Originally published in September 1983

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

Return to Stress Management Briefs...

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Distribution Center at (800) 876-8636.

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.