Our jobs influence the way we see ourselves and how we place self-worth on ourselves. Undoubtedly, losing a job, by any means like getting downsized, forced to take an early retirement, contracts drying up, etc., can be downright overwhelming. Apart from the financial anguish, losing a job has us questioning our identity and capabilities even if we don’t want to.
Even if you did not love your job, it gave you a social outlet, a means to earn livelihood, a purpose and meaning to your life. Suddenly being out of work can leave you confused, hurt, and angry.
Although it’s perfectly normal to feel the way we do after losing a job, there are a few ways that can help us cope with the situation.
Ways to cope with losing a job and move forward
1. Understand your reaction by giving yourself time
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Take a stock of how you feel after losing a job and try to comprehend your reaction. Know that it is completely normal to go over the five stages of grief – shock, denial, anger, withdrawal, and acceptance. You may not accept the reality of the situation at first, but allow yourself time to grieve. It’s the first step towards healing and hoping for a positive future outlook.
2. Find other means to define yourself
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Your job was a part of your life, not your entire life. You certainly have other things in life that are dear to you. It could be a passion or a hobby, relationships, volunteering, and so many other things. Find other means to define your life to get over the grief of losing your job. It’ll not only help in mending your self-esteem, but will also be a great source of distraction.
3. Figure out your financial situation
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You may not be in the state to take stock of your financial state after losing a job, but you need to accept the reality of the situation. Figure out your finances until you find a new job. If you plan everything beforehand, it may get less stressful and daunting, and coping with the job loss may become much easier.
4. Reach out for support
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Do not hesitate to reach out to loved ones for support. Do not be ashamed of asking for help when you need it. Connecting with friends and family in such an overwhelming situation can alleviate your stress and anxiety and could hand you some perspective. You could even seek professional help from a therapist to cope with losing a job.
5. Take it as an opportunity to expand your skills & knowledge
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The next step to moving forward is actually looking ahead. Take the break as an opportunity to learn new skills or try your hand at other things that you never had the chance to do. It will give you an opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge, and help you land a better position in the future.
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