Job Loss – How Do You Cope?

Job Loss can be an extremely hard time in someone’s life. In a situation where we are fired

or laid-off or even if we quit, this type of loss is similar to losing someone by death; therefore we will experience the 5 stages of loss.  In this article, we will try and give you some insight on how to deal with each of these stages.





Denial:

This can come in all forms.  You may feel that the reasoning for your job loss was unjustified (even if it wasn’t) or you may be spending your money frivolously expecting that you will find employment sooner than later (which could lead to regret later if you don’t secure employment right away).  In whatever way that the denial stage affects you, there are a few things to help you get through it. 

·        Journal – this is a great way to bring some clarity

·        Talk to a friend or family member who is a good listener and can provide some insight to your situation

·        Think positively that this may be a good thing and happened for a reason

·        Expand your horizons – look at the positives of the situation and build on them

Anger:

You’re upset because you are no longer employed and your bills are piling up and your motivation is decreasing with every unsuccessful job application and interview.  Possibly, you’re angry at your former company/boss because if they hadn’t of let you go, you wouldn’t be in this situation.  This is all normal; however, it can greatly impact your job search, networking and interviews if you don’t find a way to get past the anger.  A few things to remember and try are:

·        Journal – keep track of your feelings and reflect on them; try and see the opposite side of the anger

·        Exercise daily; this helps with your mood and creates a positive energy.  Incorporate a variety of fitness activities including walking, yoga and swimming

·        Have someone to vent to; but only vent when necessary – if you continue to bring up the situation, moving past it may be difficult

Bargaining:

If you are feeling helpless and somewhat out of control, feelings of bargaining are normal.  You may think to yourself, “if I had only done this” or “I should have said this instead”.  No matter what you should have done, you didn’t, and you have to come to terms with that. 

Depression:

The longer you are unemployed; the more at risk you are for suffering depression .  There are many forms of depression.  Typically when job loss and unemployment are involved, people feel anxiety, low self-esteem, low motivation, hopelessness and loss of interest.

·        If you are feeling severe forms of depression, consult your doctor as s/he may be able to assist you best

·        Connect with a support person, family or friend, someone whom you trust and talk to them about how you are feeling. You may want to consider accessing a 24 hour crisis line.

Acceptance:

This stage is where we accept what has happened and begin moving forward.  In this stage your job search will excel because you will realize the potential that you truly have and give more effort into your job search.  At this stage you will start getting more interviews and if you prepare and educate yourself about how to perform an effective job search, you will find the light of the job search tunnel and be working again in no time!

                                                                                                                           -Sunny + Sassy