Where I live, more and more people are losing their jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s where you are too. While the overall health in the economy is good, the amount of uncertainty in our world has caused some employers to restructure and others have chosen to hold off filling some positions. This impacts those in a job search. I’ve chosen for this week to use an excerpt from my book, How Long, O Lord, How Long? Devotions for the Unemployed and Those Who Love Them. The message is timely for anyone in a job search today. Please share.

YOU’RE ON THIS JOURNEY you never thought you’d be on, unemployed and looking for a job. Progress is often slow, as the employment process takes time. You’re doing all you can do and it’s on your mind 24/7 because it’s happening to you. But it isn’t “top of mind” for everyone else. The reality is that for most people you know, their day-to-day life hasn’t changed with your unemployment. They care about you, but life goes on for them.

My friends in the marketing profession remind me I need to be “top of mind” with others if I want them to continue helping me. When you first shared the news, you were “top of mind” for them. But with each day, it becomes less important in their world. Reminding them reengages them. If they know nothing, they’ll be passive. You want people to be active to help you.

One of the challenges you face is keeping others informed about your search. Over the years I’ve met with a lot of people who were networking. Every time, I asked them to stay in contact with me, but most of them never reached out to me again. While I wanted to continue helping them, I didn’t know if they still needed my help or if they had found a new job. I’m less engaged in helping them if I don’t know what’s going on.

What gets in your way when it comes to keeping people informed? I find it’s often one of two things. First, we just don’t think of it. We forget that their world didn’t change the way ours did. The other common reason is personal pride. My pride was bruised when I became unemployed; as a result, the mere thought of reminding the world that I’m still unemployed is hard to do. It’s as if I’m shouting, “Hey world, it’s me, Dale, and guess what? I’m still unemployed. There’s nothing wrong with me, but I still don’t have a job. I just wanted you to know.”

Personal pride stood in my way. Pride will bring us down, as described in Proverbs 29:23.

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Even though it was difficult, I pushed away my personal pride and I reached out. I sent emails monthly to my friends and family who knew, as well as everyone I had networked with. I was amazed at the number of phone calls, emails, and texts I received thanking me for the update and recommitting to helping me out. Those calls, texts, and emails were also very affirming for me, they built me up. They were a reminder of how many were praying for me, of how many really cared. I felt better remembering I wasn’t alone on this journey.

Even though you may not want to, I encourage you to send something out on at least a monthly basis. It’s not easy, but it’s important. In doing so, I believe you’ll be blessed by the affirmation you receive from others.