The Stress Of Job Loss: How to Cope And Move Ahead

Job Loss: Getting Over The Shock

Photo: Steve Woods

The job loss is considered to be one of the biggest losses in life, similar in magnitude to the loss of significant others, or the loss of an important relationship. This is but natural, because a job is an important part of my identity. It gives me my status, the financial support to live a normal life. You take pride in many work related accomplishments for which you have been appreciated or rewarded. It is a source of my self esteem, my status.

No doubt, that loss of job leaves you shaken. You may refuse to believe it for some time. You may despair -- why I am dependent on a job? There is loss of face: what will you tell your children your relatives, friends,neighbors? You will blame your boss, your colleagues, spouse or self, trying to find out the rhyme and reason of your situation.Your helplessness may be reflected in fits of anger and bouts of depression.

Gradually you will accept your situation and start to wonder now what? Now is the time take positive steps to deal with the stress of job loss. There might be situations that you may not have the luxury to deal with the barrage of emotions, and may have to immediately deal with your situation.

Here are a few things you can do to minimize the damage, and manage this crisis constructively, so that it neither hurts you, nor your spouse and children.

Essential Steps to Manage Stress Of Job Loss

You will be better able to deal with the stress of job loss if you anticipate in the beginning itself that you will have to deal with some difficult emotions: disbelief, anger, frustration, depression, etc.

1. Discuss your job loss with your spouse. Since this affects both of you, be sure to make plans together and agree on implementing changes in your spending habits to lessen the impact. Also inform the children, but also tell them this is not such a big deal, these things come and go in life, and soon your life will be back on track. Just a few reassuring words will give your children a feeling of confidence and they will be able to enjoy their life normally.

2. You must take care of yourself physically and mentally, so that the stress of job loss does not damage you in any way. For this it is most important to reduce stress and anxiety, uplift your spirits, and regain the sense of calm and peace, because only this will enable you to take appropriate steps.

If you find yourself falling prey to uncontrollable fits if rage and anger, take the help of a professional therapist.

You may try any of the following for relaxation and relief from stress:

1. Use positive affirmations,
2. Yoga,
3. Meditation,
4. Self Hypnosis,
5. Relaxation,
6. Breathing Exercises.

3. Don't allow yourself to ruminate over your situation. Get over the stress of job loss by taking this as an opportunity to do the things that your earlier commitments won't let you do. Spend time with your children. Use this time to take them to school and also to bring them back. Children will remember these days! Call up your old friends, or send them emails; renew contacts that have gone cold due to lack of time.

4. Evaluate where you stand financially. Determine how much savings you can rely on and what bills are coming due around the corner. Draw up a short-term financial plan to follow while you figure things out.

5. Check with your employer. Even though your job has ended, the final details are important to your financial future.

Be sure you understand your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that you and your family can remain covered without any lapses during your search for a new job.

Ask if you can receive a severance package. If one is available, find out every detail, such as beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely.

6. Apply for unemployment benefits from your state wherever applicable. Most states offer online applications to help expedite the process and get you enrolled quickly. Unemployment benefits can bring in some much-needed income while you're job hunting, and reduce the stress of job loss.

7. Prepare your resume, and include all your accomplishments in your previous jobs. Highlight your achievements and the times you were appreciated by the top bosses. Consider posting your resume online on job sites and Craigslist and print plenty of copies to drop off or mail.

Try to remember if you know some contacts who have good number of connections. Approach them with optimism, explain your situation, and ask their assistance. Some of them may prove to be helpful. Don't hesitate even if you have only a cursory acquaintance. They may have something in mind, which can prove to be beneficial for you!

Start your job search by looking online at job boards, forums, and classified ads, as well as applying directly to companies via their web sites. The Internet allows you to search the entire world right from the comfort of your own home, and can open doors of opportunity that were previously unavailable to you!

8. Developing an optimistic line of thought about this opportunity you've been given, you will be able to cope better the stress of job loss. Offer positive, affirming thoughts to yourself and your family to keep everyone's spirit high.

Positive thinking can make a huge difference on how quickly you find the right job. Enthusiasm will impress prospective employers much more than if you sink into a negative outlook and carry it with you unintentionally during interviews.

9. Consider all options. Many times in life, what initially appears to be negative ends up being a blessing in disguise, and losing your job is no exception.

Perhaps you weren't completely happy with your job, but were hesitant to leave it. Now that the decision has been made for you, you finally have the opportunity to try out a new profession or company.

Looking Beyond Stress of Job Loss: Options

There are following options that are available to you:

i. Search for a similar job in the same line of work,

ii. Search for a job in a different profession, which makes use of your capabilities that you may or may not have used till now.

iii. Start on your own. There are so many opportunities with the opening up of the world with the advent of technology, particularly the Internet. Delve into your mind, see if there is something that can put to good use-- it maybe your experience, some knowledge or information, that might prove to be useful to someone out there.

If you think that you want some immediate source of income, continue your search for a job, but do start working on this line of action immediately , so that in near future you never have to find yourself in the similar situation. To know more about this click here.

You can use a layoff as an opportunity to explore a new area of the country, travel the world for a new job, or work online.

Don't ever get convinced that this is a calamity. There is always an opportunity in any adversity. Try to see what opportunities are opening up before you right in the garb of a difficult situation.

Click here to start working from home, so that you may never have to cope with the stress of job loss! You can also earn while you learn!

Further Reading

Reduce Financial Stress With Debt Management Counseling

Financial Stress Need Not Spoil A Family's Happiness

Relaxation CD and Downloads: Experience Deep Calm & Relaxation

Practice Self Hypnosis for Stress and Anxiety Relief

5 Tips to Reduce Workplace Stress

The Relaxation Response: A Perfect Antidote To Stress

Deep Breathing For Stress Relief

Stress Relief Tips And Techniques - top 10 Stress Relievers

Positive Affirmations To Reduce Stress And Maintain Good Health

Stress Relief Tips And Techniques - top 10 Stress Relievers

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