Coping with Job Loss
Like any other type of significant loss, losing your job can have a major impact on your day-to-day well-being and self-esteem. Formerly employed workers can experience regret, self-loathing, resentment – a number of negative emotions that can lead to a downward spiral of bad morale.
During these times of turmoil, you may experience high amounts of stress or anxiety as you consider your next move. But before immediately turning your focus to the next plan of attack, give yourself a chance to cope with the shock of such a big transition.
The Five Stages of Grief
The five classic stages of grief are listed below and are a great tool to use as you identify and clarify your own mental state. Read over them and be aware of the emotional effect that losing your job can have.
Denial
"This can't be happening, not to me." – Losing your job can be hard to accept. But as you work to comprehend the change, realize that people all over the world lose their jobs every day. Even if the causes for your job loss are totally outside of your control, understand that it is possible to recover from this setback.
Also, take this available time to re-evaluate your resume and cover letter.
Anger
"How could they do this to me?" – You may feel contempt for your former employer. You may feel betrayed. Anger is a natural part of dealing with grief. If you feel mad, know that this emotional reaction is completely normal. However, acting out on this anger is unadvised. You may need to rely on this employer as a future reference. If you find that you have difficulty moving on from this stage, you may want to sort through your anger with a therapist.
Bargaining
"I should have..., They could have..., What if..." – As you search for the reasons behind your job loss, your mind may revolve around "What-if" scenarios. The result is a period of emotional bargaining in which you consider alternatives that would have avoided this outcome. Be aware of this negative thinking and use objective reasoning to keep from having your thoughts dead-end at this bargaining point.
Depression
"This is unbelievable! I feel like a failure!" – When it comes to facing the facts of the situation, the recently unemployed can easily enter a period of self-loathing. Depression can be the most severe stage of grief and can have a significant and damaging impact on the sufferer. In order to deal with and move on from depression, it's important to allow yourself to grieve. Letting the energy out is a great step in giving your self a chance to move forward. You may also want to find someone to talk with. Rely on those who mean the most to you. The support of family and friends can be crucial in dealing with the stress.
Acceptance
"It is unfortunate, but it won't keep me down." – After experiencing some level of the first four stages above, grievers typically reach a period of acceptance from which they can move on with their lives. With regard to job loss, remember that a job is just a job. Our jobs do not define us; instead, they are simply activities. Although a career change may make for a different lifestyle, it may also create an opportunity to explore a new avenue and learn a new skill.
While working to overcome the disappointment and shock of losing a job, give yourself a chance to grieve. Don't beat yourself up unnecessarily. To jumpstart your next professional venture, you may decide to consult a professional career counselor. Many of these counselors are industry-specific, so it may be a good idea to ask some of your colleagues for a few recommendations. Regardless, though, if you can maintain a positive attitude, you may find yourself back at a job and back on your feet in no time.
