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August 01, 2005
Surviving Job Loss
If you have lost your job for any reason, but particularly if it was under negative circumstances, get ready to go through a range of emotions. You are experiencing one of the most traumatic events that may happen in your lifetime. Job loss ranks right up there with divorce, death, and going to jail as among the most stressful events that can happen to a person.
Our clients tell us that in the first few days following their termination they often felt confused and alone, as if they were in a dark tunnel. They relived the events of their termination over and over, either wanted to sleep away the time or could not sleep, did not eat and had difficulty in concentrating.
It is important that you understand the impact of this loss on your physical and emotional health. Many grief counselors would agree that job loss takes a person through the same phases as the death of a loved one. You might find yourself in shock and denial at first and then experience panic when the reality of the situation settles in. It is not unusual to go through an anger period and certainly an element of depression.
Each of us is equipped to handle these situations differently. However you choose to cope with your job loss, it is clear that action is the number one way to overcome your fear, drive your panic away and eventually solve the problem. When job searches are taking more and more time these days, it is critical that you realize the emotional state you are in and get your search going in the right direction as soon as possible.
This, like any other situation, requires a plan, a strategy, some tactics, and then the implementation of the plan. Having a place to go regularly, meeting with experts or trusted confidants with whom to share the stress, and knowing that there are others supporting your efforts can be a most helpful part of getting through job loss.
While you are transitioning through this process, diet, exercise and mental stimulation can make a big difference in how your body deals with the stress. It probably is not a good idea to reinvent your life, but, certainly, it is a good idea to consider yourself and your physical, emotional and mental well being as part of your job search strategy. Your chance of a successful interview process decreases greatly if you are in a panicky, depressed or angry state of mind.
Coming out on the other side with a new job is the obvious mark of success, but knowing that you passed through the stages successfully, dealt with it professionally and got your life back on track will be your greatest success and is the real inner satisfaction.
Helpful Tips: 1). Give yourself the necessary time it takes to deal with the shock of the job loss 2). Take care of your body and mind physically and emotionally 3). Meet with an expert to discuss your career options 4). Make a plan and strategize a career path 5). Put your plan into action as soon as possible.
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Nancy Picha Love, M.S.
Sr. Career Consultant
Chandler Hill Partners, Inc.
A Career Advancement and Job Search Company
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