What to Do if You’ve Been Unemployed for Over 6 Months: A South African Survival Guide

Being unemployed for an extended period can feel overwhelming, especially in South Africa where unemployment rates remain persistently high. If you’ve been searching for work for over six months, you’re not alone – millions of skilled, capable South Africans face similar challenges. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate this difficult period while maintaining your mental health, building new skills, and positioning yourself for future opportunities.

Extended unemployment doesn’t define your worth or predict your future success. Many successful professionals have experienced lengthy job searches, particularly during economic downturns or industry transitions. The key is using this time strategically to emerge stronger and more employable than before.

Understanding Long-Term Unemployment in South Africa

South Africa’s unemployment crisis affects people across all skill levels and demographics. Structural economic challenges, skills mismatches, and limited job creation mean that even highly qualified individuals can face extended periods without formal employment. Understanding that this reflects broader economic conditions rather than personal failure is crucial for maintaining perspective and motivation.

Long-term unemployment is generally defined as being without work for six months or longer. In South Africa, this period can extend much longer due to various factors including geographic location, industry-specific challenges, and economic volatility. The longer you remain unemployed, the more important it becomes to take proactive steps to maintain your employability and mental wellbeing.

Protecting Your Mental Health During Extended Unemployment

Recognizing the Emotional Impact

Extended unemployment can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety, shame, and loss of identity. These reactions are normal and understandable. Acknowledging these feelings rather than suppressing them is the first step toward managing them effectively.

Establishing Daily Structure

Without the structure of employment, days can feel aimless and depressing. Create a daily routine that includes:

Morning Routine: Wake up at a consistent time, shower, and dress as if going to work Dedicated Job Search Time: Allocate 2-3 hours daily for job searching activities Skill Development: Spend time learning new skills or improving existing ones Physical Activity: Exercise regularly to maintain physical and mental health Social Interaction: Connect with friends, family, or networking contacts Personal Time: Pursue hobbies or interests that bring you joy

Seeking Professional Support

If you’re experiencing persistent depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional help immediately. Resources include:

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Free telephonic counseling at 0800 567 567 Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support at 0861 322 322 Community Health Centers: Offer free mental health services Employee Assistance Programs: If available through previous employers

Building Emotional Resilience

Practice stress management techniques such as:

Mindfulness meditation using free apps like Headspace or Calm
Journaling to process emotions and track progress
Connecting with others in similar situations through support groups
Maintaining perspective by celebrating small victories

Maximizing Your UIF Benefits and Understanding Your Rights

Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Benefits

If you’ve been contributing to UIF, you’re entitled to benefits that can provide crucial financial support during unemployment.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have been employed and contributed to UIF for at least 13 weeks in the four years before unemployment
Must be unemployed through no fault of your own (retrenchment, end of contract, etc.)
Must be available for work and actively seeking employment

Benefit Calculation:

Receive 38-60% of your previous salary depending on your income level
Maximum benefit period is 12 months (1 day of benefits for every 6 days worked)
Benefits are paid every two weeks

Application Process:

Apply within six months of becoming unemployed
Visit your nearest Department of Labour office
Bring required documents: ID, UI-19 form from employer, bank statements, etc.
Register as a work seeker
Attend monthly reporting meetings

UIF Offices Contact Information:

Find your nearest office at www.labour.gov.za
Call centre: 012 337 1997
Online services: www.ufiling.co.za

TERS (Temporary Employee Relief Scheme)

If you were affected by COVID-19 related layoffs, you might be eligible for TERS benefits, which provide temporary income support.

Strategic Job Search Optimization

Reassessing Your Approach

After six months of unemployment, it’s time to evaluate and adjust your job search strategy:

Expand Your Search Criteria:

Consider roles slightly below your previous level
Look at adjacent industries where your skills transfer
Explore opportunities in different geographic areas
Consider contract, temporary, or part-time positions

Diversify Your Search Channels:

Online Job Boards: PNet, CareerJunction, Indeed, LinkedIn
Recruitment Agencies: Register with multiple agencies in your field
Company Websites: Apply directly to companies you’d like to work for
Networking: Leverage personal and professional networks
Social Media: Use LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook professionally

Addressing Employment Gaps

Be prepared to explain your unemployment period positively:

Honest Explanation: “I’ve been selective about my next opportunity to ensure it’s the right fit for my career goals.”

Skill Development Focus: “I’ve used this time to enhance my skills in [specific area] and completed certifications in [relevant field].”

Volunteer Work: “I’ve been contributing to [organization] while searching for the right opportunity.”

Consulting/Freelance: “I’ve been doing some consulting work while seeking a permanent position.”

Upskilling and Professional Development

Free Online Learning Platforms

Take advantage of free educational resources to build new skills:

Coursera: Offers free courses from top universities (audit option)

Business, technology, and personal development courses
Certificates available for completed courses
Financial aid available for paid courses

edX: Free courses from Harvard, MIT, and other prestigious institutions

Wide range of professional development topics
Verified certificates available for a fee
Self-paced learning options

Khan Academy: Free courses in various subjects

Business and economics
Computer programming
Personal finance

YouTube Learning: Free tutorials on virtually any topic

Industry-specific skills
Software training
Professional development

Local South African Resources

Digital Skills Programme: Government initiative offering free digital skills training

Basic computer literacy
Digital marketing
Web development
Contact: Department of Communications and Digital Technologies

SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) Programs:

Industry-specific training programs
Learnerships and apprenticeships
Skills development grants
Find your relevant SETA at www.saqa.org.za

University Short Courses: Many South African universities offer affordable short courses

University of Cape Town (UCT) online courses
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) executive education
UNISA short learning programs

Public Libraries: Free access to:

Internet and computer facilities
Online learning platforms
Study spaces
Career development resources

Professional Certifications

Invest in industry-relevant certifications:

Technology: Google Certificates, Microsoft Certifications, AWS Cloud Practitioner Project Management: PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum Master Digital Marketing: Google Ads, Facebook Blueprint, HubSpot Finance: CFA, FRM, CIMA Human Resources: SHRM, CIPD

Volunteering Strategically

Benefits of Volunteering During Unemployment

Maintains work routine and structure
Develops new skills and experiences
Expands professional network
Provides recent references
Demonstrates community engagement
Improves mental health and self-esteem

Choosing the Right Volunteer Opportunities

Select opportunities that align with your career goals:

Skill-Based Volunteering:

Offer your professional skills to NGOs
Help small businesses with marketing, finance, or strategy
Mentor young professionals or students
Provide training or workshops in your area of expertise

Leadership Opportunities:

Join committees or boards of organizations
Lead project teams or initiatives
Coordinate events or campaigns
Manage volunteer programs

South African Volunteer Organizations

National Volunteer Organizations:

Volunteer SA: www.volunteersa.org.za
South African Red Cross Society: www.redcross.org.za
Habitat for Humanity South Africa: www.habitat.org.za

Skills-Based Volunteering:

Rotary Club: Professional networking and community service
Junior Achievement South Africa: Business mentoring for students
Net Prophet: Digital marketing and technology volunteering

Community Development:

Local municipalities: Community development programs
Schools: Educational support and tutoring
Healthcare facilities: Patient support and administrative help

Networking and Relationship Building

Reactivating Your Network

Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, and industry contacts
Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups
Join professional associations in your field
Participate in online forums and LinkedIn groups

Building New Connections

Industry Meetups and Events:

Meetup.com: Find local professional groups
Eventbrite: Search for networking events
LinkedIn Events: Industry-specific gatherings
Chamber of Commerce: Business networking opportunities

Online Networking:

LinkedIn: Optimize your profile and engage actively
Industry Forums: Participate in relevant discussions
Twitter: Follow industry leaders and join conversations
Professional Groups: Join WhatsApp or Telegram groups in your field

Networking Etiquette

Focus on building relationships, not just asking for jobs
Offer help and value to your network
Follow up consistently but not excessively
Express gratitude for any assistance received

Considering Alternative Employment Options

Freelancing and Consulting

Platforms for Finding Work:

Upwork: Global freelancing platform
Freelancer: Project-based work opportunities
Fiverr: Skill-based services marketplace
LinkedIn ProFinder: Professional services platform

South African Freelancing Platforms:

SweepSouth: Home services
Mr D Food: Food delivery
Uber/Bolt: Transport services
Local Facebook Groups: Community-based opportunities

Temporary and Contract Work

Provides income while searching for permanent employment
Offers networking opportunities
Builds recent work experience
May lead to permanent opportunities

Temp Agencies:

Kelly: Temporary staffing solutions
Manpower: Temporary and permanent placement
Adecco: Staffing and recruitment services
Staff Solutions: Local temporary employment

Starting Your Own Business

Consider entrepreneurship if you have a viable business idea:

Government Support:

Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA): Business support and training
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC): Funding for businesses
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA): Support for young entrepreneurs
Department of Small Business Development: Various support programs

Financial Management During Extended Unemployment

Budgeting and Expense Management

Create a detailed budget prioritizing essential expenses
Cut non-essential spending temporarily
Negotiate payment plans with creditors if necessary
Consider downsizing accommodation if feasible

Additional Income Sources

Government Grants:

Social Relief of Distress Grant: Temporary assistance for those in dire need
Child Support Grant: If you have children
Disability Grant: If applicable