How being unemployed is like having a disease - part 3

I remember more than once when I was growing up and not feeling well my Mom saying "go out and clean the hog house. The fresh air will make you feel better."  Any one who has ever been in a hog house knows the air in there is anything but fresh but who is going to argue with their mother. I think she was trying to make sure I wasn't faking it.

When people are sick they often and for good reason try to keep away from other people.  This is to help keep others from getting sick and often to help recover. Staying home, watching TV and not getting with friends is usually a good idea. And if you are a man you will avoid going to the doctor at almost any cost.

The thing is sometimes people who are unemployed get the same way.  They want to stay at home, watch TV and not reach out to people who might help them.  Just like with a disease, some time alone can be good if it is used to help you "recover"  from being unemployed such as self assessment, organization or learning new things. But when we get to the point where we are staying at home because you don't want to bother people or are afraid to let people know you are sick (unemployed) for fear of pity that is a bad thing.  Just like not going to see the doctor you aren't going to get any better if you don't get help.  

At the end of the day, after cleaning the hog house,  I usually did feel better, not necessarily cured but better.  Whether it was from the sense of accomplishment or just getting off the couch and moving around like I was well it usually helped. Being unemployed is the same way. Getting up and doing something will not only make you feel better but it will get you closer to recovery than just laying around.