Unwanted unemployment is always tough, but never more so than around the holidays.

Nothing hammers home the fact that you do not have a steady income like being in the middle of all the indulgence and gift-giving of Christmastime, as well as having to participate while on a jobless budget. It can make what should be an enjoyable few days a stressful experience, and yet another reminder of what you do not have.

While being around family and loved ones should be one of the few positives that remain in this situation, it is often the case that it is yet another headache that could be done without. The potential for family drama is likely going to be there, no matter what the employment status of everybody is, but there is always somebody who has to make a comment or several when a relative currently doesn’t have a job, or is otherwise going through a hard time. 

When you are already struggling, it can be a tough pill to swallow. It is understandable to want to stick up for yourself, especially when experiencing all the demoralization that comes with job seeking. Older generations in particular often do not understand this.