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How to Successfully Cope with a Job Loss
by Caroline Jalango
How prepared are you for an unexpected turn of events? What if the
foundation upon which your income was based was suddenly shaken? How
would you cope if you lost your Job today?
In these tough economic times, the unemployment rate is high and job
scarcity is a common problem. The importance of getting a steady job
to guarantee some form of job security cannot be underestimated.
Having a regular job is as relieving as drinking a cold glass of water
on a hot summer day.
With this in mind, you probably can’t afford to lose your job, because
the key word is bills, bills, and more bills! The only way to settle
the “bills” issue is to get a job and try to stay hired.
Most people assume, and rightly so, that they can't get laid off or
fired. But what if it happens to you?
When you are caught off guard, your coping mechanisms may fail and you
may just not know what to do and how to react. But, if you cannot plan
for an unexpected job loss, you can definitely equip yourself with
tips on how to cope when you have lost your job.
7 Valuable Tips for Surviving a Job Loss Crisis:
1. Don’t panic
When you think about all your bills and the other issues which depend
upon your paycheck, it is very easy to panic.
The uncertainty of the future ahead and the possible reality that you
may no longer be in control may be very overwhelming. As tempting as
it may be, don’t panic because this is the time when you most require
a clear mind to focus on the future.
2. Accept your situation.
The sooner you accept your situation the better. Don’t stay in a state
of disbelief and denial. Don't allow the bitterness you may be
harboring toward your ex-employers to consume your life and precious
time. It is not worth. It is just not worth it!
Every case is different but if you intend to sue for wrongful
dismissal, consider whether the measure is worth pursuing. Accept your
situation as it is and remember that life does not always turn out as
we expect. It may be tough but you have to deal with it.
3. De-stress yourself.
Losing a job can be a terribly stressful ordeal. It can cause
sleepless nights as you constantly worry about a future over which you
may have no control.
The uncertainty ahead may cause an overflow of negative feelings and
you may need time to recover from the shock and to clear your head. If
necessary, take some time off to think about your next step. Do not
make hasty decisions. Talking to a trusted friend or family member
about how you feel will always make you feel better.
4. Start a new job search.
The sooner you begin looking for another job the better! As soon as
you get the motivation, undertake an aggressive job hunt campaign.
Update your resume, do some research on the internet which offers a
lot of information about current job listings and allows you to post
your resume online, visit employment agencies and let them know about
your availability to work and the position that you would be
interested in, get the classified section of the newspaper that has
job listings, network with people and let them know you are looking
for a job. Send out your resume to employers who have job openings
that may interest you.
5. Stay positive.
Don’t allow yourself to be engulfed by negative feelings of self-pity,
worthlessness, anger, bitterness and etc.
These feelings may rear their ugly heads but keep them in control
because they will take away your power and introduce depression in
your life. This will accelerate ineffectiveness on your part. Motivate
yourself daily by looking on the bright side.
6. Budget your finances.
Now that you don’t have a steady flow of income, consider putting a
tighter reign over your finances by making reductions in your
expenditures. Keep all the ‘luxuries’ at bay especially if you don’t
have any emergency money saved up. This may entail making clear
distinctions between what you really need and what you want.
7. Move on.
Hey, it’s not the end of the world. Always remember, “Every exit from
somewhere is an entrance somewhere else.” Tom Stoppard.
A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make
a turn. Do not be afraid to move on and start afresh. This may just be
the beginning of something beautiful.
Caroline Jalango is a life coach for unstoppable women who are willing
to step up to the plate and take a shot at living exceptional lives
wherever they are. www.motivationzone.com
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