How to Deal with Job Loss

Losing your job is not easy. Telling others about it isn't easy either.?

I know. I’ve been there.?

Going through this almost 6 years ago, I know that this in-between space comes with a mixed bag of emotions. I was excited to start a new chapter. I was grateful for the extra time and money for essentials and leisure. But on some days, I’d just feel so low… Doubting myself. Concerned about what’s ahead. Sad about leaving.?

Mostly, I’d say I was hiding, figuratively and literally. I did not want to show others how afraid I was…

Being in between jobs feels like floating in air. You’re not really sure where you are, where you’re going, or where and when you’ll land.?

There’s a void inside you, desperate to be filled… hopefully soon.?

It’s uncomfortable. Uneasy. Confusing.?

In this edition of the Career Agility Newsletter, allow me not to dive into job search tips… But to talk about 5 things you can do to deal with all that’s going on beneath the surface.?

1- Check-in with yourself?

How are you… really?

While you might? go around telling people that you’re fine, it’s good to be honest with yourself and allow yourself to be vulnerable. Carve out time during the day to ask yourself how you’re feeling. Are you tired? Are you disappointed? Worried? Excited??

You can write a journal or use an app like moodmeter (this is not a paid ad) to keep track of how you’re feeling each day. Being able to name your emotions and assess your needs (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc) will allow you to be more intentional when planning your next steps.?

2 - Look after yourself

About ? of our life is spent working. That is definitely a huge chunk.?

Losing a huge part of you will definitely feel different. But this doesn’t mean that you should let the rest of the 70% be affected by it as well. So don’t forget to get enough sleep and exercise, and eat the right food.?

You can also think of this period as an opportunity to finally do things you didn’t have time for before - watch your favorite series, meet up with friends, go to the gym, get a massage, enroll in a class, etc.?

Of course, everything in moderation.?

3 - Have a date with yourself

Working 8 or more hours a day probably deprived you of the time to pause and get to know yourself better.?

Surely, you’ve changed through the years. Take time to pause and reflect on who you are now.?

What achievements are you most proud of (in and out of work)?

What do you love doing?

What’s your dream vacation?

What new skills have you learned?

What are your strengths?

What do you like/dislike most about a job??

What energizes you most?

What new skills would you love to learn?

What items have you ticked off your bucket list?

What new things would you add to your bucket list?

What does an ideal weekend look like for you?

What areas of your life need your attention now?

Getting reacquainted with yourself may help you see yourself beyond your job title, and will also help you later on when you start planning your career strategy.?

4 - Take stock of your resources

Losing a job might make you feel helpless.?

Taking stock of the internal and external resources you already have, will remind you of what’s available for you to leverage and maximize during this transition period. This will make you feel more empowered.

Internal resources are those that you possess within you – your skills, values, strengths, etc. You may also think of this as your circle of control, that can then impact your circle of influence.?

External resources may be the things you have or have access to, like an expansive professional network, a laptop and stable internet connection to support your job search, your 6-month emergency fund, etc.

5 - Activate your support system

Just like dealing with other life challenges, having a support system during job loss, helps lighten the load.?

During this vulnerable phase, you probably don’t need another person telling you to start finding a job, or reminding you of the many uncertainties in this world. You also don’t need comments like “You’re already 40! Do you think you can still find a job?”?

What you need are people you trust and who positively impact you. They can be your family, your friends, a support group going through the same, or a coach. During tough times like this, what you really need is someone to listen with empathy.?

Take it a day at a time

Just like dealing with a loss of a loved one or maybe a relationship break-up, you must allow yourself to grieve.?

When you think of a break-up for example, you might give yourself some time to heal and process things before you start dating again. The same is true with losing a job. Rushing into job search may not be the best thing yet, especially when you’re confused or going through a rollercoaster of emotions…. You might end up making the wrong decision. (I’ve had clients who rushed into getting a job ASAP only to find themselves regretting it and leaving or planning to leave in less than 3 months).?

Lay all your cards on the table and be realistic about your immediate and future needs. Also remember to practice self-compassion during this time. And when you need to, please seek professional help.?

I hope and pray that this challenge soon becomes a stepping stone for you towards a more fulfilling and successful career. I am rooting for you!

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Make sure to hit the ?? on my profile so you get notified when I post tips and r resources that can help you in your career.

If you’re curious to know more about my own career transition, I wrote about it in my book Thirty-Something and reTired: How to Get Out of the Life that Drains You which is available on Shopee (Use voucher KURL15OFF to get a discount) and BookShelfPH.?