5 Things the Unemployed Can Learn From Conan O'Brien

OK, the tweets, the commercials, the hype – all of it has been barreling down the PR tunnel and into viewers heads for months now. And last night viewers got their favorite pompadour back on their TV sets. Conan is back. 

After a much-publicized departure from NBC and their golden boy Leno, Mr. O’Brien found himself in a unique position of being without a job. Now while it may seem glib to compare the millions of Americans without a  job to a talk show host who received millions in compensation to leave when he had millions to begin with, there is a lot to be gleaned in Conan’s job search that could help the unemployed. 

1.       Positivity and Humor Do Wonders for the Soul

Remember to laugh and enjoy yourself. Seriously. It’s a lot easier said than done, I know. But negativity can be a powerful force that will just drag you down and others with you, and it’s certainly not going to help your job search. Force yourself to smile. 

2.      Go Where Your Strengths Are and Use Them

No employer knows your strengths as well as you. Recognize your strengths. Write them down. Once you’ve done that, begin identifying companies and industries that fit your skills. Be proactive and contact them before they advertise an opening. Being in a job where you contribute and use your abilities will only add to your happiness and self-worth too. 

3.      Recognize the Reasons You are No Longer at Your Other Job and What You Learned

Maybe you were laid off, maybe you were fired, maybe you quit. It’s easy to look back, but it’s always better to learn. Understand clearly your reasons for the departure from your former job and ask yourself what you took away from the experience. 

4.      Taking Some Time Off to Regroup Is Perfectly Normal – Just Make Sure It Isn’t Too Much Time

Reflection and reconsideration are now available with the time you have, and sure, you might want to really soul-search. Go for it, but that isn’t the same as being idle. Always keep your mind and eyes open and prepare resumes, cover letters and marketing plans to be ready when opportunity arises. Exercise, stay active, get dressed for work every day, even though you’re unemployed.

5.       Never Give Up

Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll be a star with a pompadour and a co-host too. But don’t let the attitude of ‘can’t’ take over your life. Never stop trying.