#LeavingWell: Navigating Job Loss

Navigating job loss, being fired from employment, being laid off, or in any way suddenly dealing with the loss of income (and benefits) can bring up an immense spectrum of emotions.

Because we don’t normalize talking about these emotions, we perpetuate and further harm from the experience.

You may feel depressed and disappointed. You may have intense worry, fear, or grief. You may also experience a sense of failure, confusion, and anger. All of them are valid! In addition to the emotions, it’s common and normal to experience a loss of defining traits and identity you associated with your job or role.?

Use the following list {this list is abbreviated, see the full list on my website } list as a set of riverbanks to help you navigate through this period in your life, and also to assist you in communicating this situation with your family and those who love you.

Expect:

• That it will feel strange to talk about what happened, and may take some time to put words to your experience.
• It may feel like a loss that you feel grief over?
• To feel conflicted about how you feel about your former employer.?

Do:

• Suit up! You may not feel like doing basic things such as taking a shower or eating well, but notice how you may feel different when you choose to “dress for the day” as you used to.?
• Rituals are healing. Give yourself as many days as you need, to process the loss of your job. When you’re ready, mimic and recreate your typical pre-work rituals. Make coffee, or listen to a podcast episode as you get dressed. Mark the halfway point in your day, by breaking for a meal, etc.
• Pause and affirm the amazing accomplishments you had from your job and role. Note them down. Capture the #WorthyWork and things you are proud of from your time there. Write a list of the things you achieved and the impact you had.

Do not:

• Stay quiet about how you are feeling. Utilize your EAP benefits to invite support from professionals, or choose a few trusted friends to share your emotions and challenges.
• While it might feel like a good idea to take on new volunteering opportunities, make sure to check in with yourself before saying yes to new uses of your time. Guard your time wisely and ensure you are fully able and willing to say yes (and commit) to any new obligations.

Take every opportunity to:

• Explore the things that often fall to the bottom of your priority list (new coffee shop to try out? Purging the hall closet? Reading a book from your nightstand?)
• Review finances and budgets with those whom you share financial decisions with.
• Open communication with family and loved ones (if there are children in your house, consider what level of honesty can be shared with them, so they do not feel left in the dark).
• Take control back by updating your resume, and be sure to gather the list of accomplishments from your most recent job to include in the refresh.

I am happy to offer transition support through my #LeavingWell consulting practice , and invite you to reach out to me to see if these services may be of help to you or a loved one.

Additional recommended resources:

?? Career Bitches Podcast Episode: #LeavingWell via Career Valet

?? Legacy By Design Podcast Episode via Sundae Schneider-Bean, LLC

??? Career Valet Resume Services

?? You are more than your job - Jopwell

?? Robert Half Salary Calculator

To read the full article: Navigating Job Loss , originally published at NaomiHattaway.com

#ReductionInForce #JobLoss #CareerTransitions #Redundancy #Layoff