| Are you one of the many talented and competent | | | | may potentially bring more satisfaction and reward |
| professionals who have suddenly fallen victim to a | | | | than your former job. |
| company lay off or termination? As you struggle with | | | | How to Begin Moving Forward |
| fear over losing financial stability, you may also find | | | | Accept the range of emotions you might feel as |
| yourself on an emotional roller coaster. Knowing the | | | | result of losing your job. If you find that you are |
| best ways to deal with job loss will help you to | | | | experiencing severe depression, loss of sleep and |
| recover your dignity and self-esteem and move | | | | appetite, lack of energy and focus or intense |
| forward in finding a new job with confidence and | | | | sadness and anxiety, seek assistance from a mental |
| optimism. | | | | health professional. |
| Grieving Process | | | | Take stock of your financial situation including |
| Losing a job follows the stages of grief similar to the | | | | severance, unemployment benefits, healthcare and |
| death of close friend or relative. Initially you may | | | | savings. Be sure you clearly understand the |
| have reacted to the news of your job termination | | | | stipulations and seek out experts if you need |
| with shock and disbelief. Often this stage of grief is | | | | additional support and resources. |
| followed by strong emotions of anger, fear or | | | | Consider hiring a career counselor or coach who can |
| sadness. You might secretly blame yourself for the | | | | work with you to carefully evaluate your experience, |
| termination regardless of how irrational your reasons | | | | skills and values and help you come up with viable |
| are or feel that all the quality time and effort you put | | | | career or job options as well as an action plan to |
| into your work went unappreciated. People respond | | | | achieve your goals. Especially in this current economy, |
| in different ways to job loss, but during this period it | | | | it may take 6 months to a year to find a new job |
| helps to surround yourself with people who are | | | | Keep professionally active by building and maintaining |
| supportive and not judgmental. | | | | your network. Meet former colleagues for lunch or |
| Work and Identity | | | | coffee, attend conferences or workshops or |
| It is important to realize that in our culture, many of | | | | participate in professional association events. These |
| us define part of who we are by what we do in the | | | | contacts might eventually be helpful as you begin |
| workplace. When you meet people for the first time, | | | | your job search |
| one way you get to know them is by asking them | | | | Consider taking a non credit class or credit course to |
| questions about what they do. Since you lost your | | | | enhance your professional knowledge and credentials. |
| job, it is likely that you are feeling a loss of identity. | | | | This will also keep you stimulated and energized |
| The isolation combined with a general confusion | | | | Volunteer. A chance to give back even in a small way |
| about your current value in the world may cause | | | | can be very satisfying and rewarding and you will |
| depression or sense of shame and embarrassment. | | | | benefit by using your time constructively |
| As long as you recognize and acknowledge these | | | | Exercise, Diet and Meditation. This goes without |
| feelings, you will be able to work through this difficult | | | | saying but especially during difficult periods, a healthy |
| period and eventually move forward. | | | | lifestyle can go a long way in fighting depression and |
| Crisis as an Opportunity | | | | keeping you motivated |
| While you are likely to be distressed over losing your | | | | Finally...live your life even if you are on a limited |
| job, you may be surprised to discover that this | | | | budget. There are many inexpensive ways to |
| transition period can be a unique opportunity to | | | | maintain your interests and keep your mind active. |
| carefully evaluate your experience, talents and skills | | | | Think of your situation as temporary and imagine a |
| and generate new career and lifestyle options that | | | | better future. |