At some point or another we’ve all experienced a job loss. With the economy being in the state that it is and unemployment at an all time high, it’s likely that you or someone you know is in threat of losing a job.
This can be a traumatic experience, because we closely identify who we are in large part by what we do for a living. It’s the first thing we ask other who we’re just meeting, and tends be how we define and rank ourselves in society.
We put so much pressure on ourselves about our work that anxiety and depression related to job loss is common. To keep anything like that from happening I have outlined some steps below to aid in surviving the transition from newly unemployed to successfully hired.
Don’t Panic - Apply for Benefits
It’s important to keep your head straight as this separation is occurring. The shock of learning that you’ve been terminated from your job may cause you to overreact. Keep a level mind and immediately apply for benefits. Remember, every state has benefits for the newly unemployed. Check the laws in your state about how to apply for benefits that will cushion your fall as you transition between jobs.
Go Through the Grieving Process
You’ve put a large portion of your time, energy, and emotions into your work, and now it’s gone. You have spent time with co-workers, bonding and building relationships that going to break apart. No one expects you to take this lightly. It’s alright to morn the loss of the routine and familiar. It’s completely natural. Express the emotions to friends or family and let them be a shoulder for you during this tough time.
Empathize with Your Former Employer
It’s very important not to harbor resentment toward your former employer. Begin letting negative emotions go because bitterness, and anger kept inside of you can damage your future employment opportunities. No potential boss wants to hear about how awful your former employer was because you might eventually say the same thing about them.
Put yourself in the position of your former boss. It was likely a “numbers game” and had nothing to do with you personally. Times change and they had little choice in the matter.
They must feel awful for eliminating your position but decisions have to be made. Keep an amicable relationship with your former employer if possible because you never know what the future might bring.
Don’t Question Your Worth
I’ve mentioned this above but it’s worth restating. You’re going to go through questions of your own value. Remember that it wasn’t easy to let you go. You provide value to a company through the work you do.
Remember that there’s more to life than your job. You also have family, friends and a life to lead when not working. Those are the things make you a valued person not the job you do to earn a living.
Remain Positive
A negative view is dangerous because it will permeate to every area of your life. Keep a positive outlook and a good disposition. No one wants to hire someone who’s harboring apparent negativity about their former jobs.
Ask Yourself “What’s Next?” - Catalyst for Change
Perhaps it’s time for a change of pace? Consider the possibilities of going back to school or changing careers. If you were employed in an industry that is going through mass layoffs, the economy may be going through a transition with limited employment options. Competition is going to be stiff. The time might be right to continue your education or change career paths all together. Search your soul. This opportunity might be right to pursue new unexplored options.
Cut Down on Creature Comforts
Until you regain a job it might be necessary to cut back on the little luxuries in your budget. Reduce the amount of spending you do until you know for sure where the mortgage payment is coming from next month. It’s time to be cautious and frugal.
Think of this sudden change as opportunity. It’s a fork in the road full of options. You will press on and thrive. Take from the experience what lessons you can and stay optimistic. The only thing that stays the same is that everything always changes.
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