A Rainbow After Rain

Since America announced their economic crisis last year, the economic crisis has been spread out to all over the world. Many countries got the impact of America's economic crisis including the economic in my own country. It was really sad to see many people lost their jobs but who knows that I would loose my job too. My career reached its peak in 2007 and gained many project and appreciation in 2007 until 1st quarter of 2008. Due to my good performance, I was promoted.

In April 2008 the impact of global crisis started influencing the condition of my country. The condition became worst as the company I worked depended a lot on foreign investment as well as the internal management crisis. In December 2008, I got tragic news that I have been laid off! The reason is because the company has to reduce the staff while the business was slowing down. Obviously I felt very angry and upset after all I have done for the company. In fact I want to fight to get my job back.

Career is important for many of people including myself and it has become a second family in my life. I have been worked with heart, loyalty and all my effort. I believe all companies expect this attitude from their staff. After stressful days asking for the right answer and justice; I decided to let it go and concentrate to find a new job. Why? Because I did not think fighting may return my job back and if I managed to keep the job; it may not improve my career. Furthermore by fighting hard and being grumpy all the time, I am stopping God's blessing of new better job to come to my life. I remained praying while I was making connection to my networking friends and it worked. A month has passed and I will start a new job in next few weeks.

I decided to write my experience to help other people who facing similar situation. We can lose the job or everything that we have, but should never lose faith and hope. Everything that has happened to us has a special meaning and purpose. God is preparing a better job for us as long as you keep your faith and never lose hope. Below are some advices that you can consider when you are facing job loss.

Be calm and think positively

Do not panic when you got news that you will be laid off. It is not the end of the world. The first step is asking for time break before signing the termination letter. Ask the termination package that the company will offer and check carefully government regulation regarding the issue. Take as much as you can the termination package from your current company. You may negotiate to still use some company facility for few months until you can get a new job, eg; medical insurance, transportation (car) etc. This benefit will helps you as not all countries will give social welfare to their un-employed citizen.

Networking and lobbying

The 2nd day after the announcement you should make phone calls to find out vacant position to the companies in your networking list. It can be your clients, contractors, supplier and all colleagues who work at the similar profession as you. Send your CV to the potential employers afterwards.

Inform your family and try to reduce un-necessary expenses

Your family is more important than your job. Do not let them upset by your anger and stress. Tell them your problem and ask for their support until you can pass this difficult condition. Make a family budget list with your family members including your little children and make priority list on monthly family expenses. You will gain respect and get support from family by doing this. Reduce un-necessary expense. When you do shopping, choose the shop that giving more discounts. "1 dollar" shop may be an alternative.

Save energy like electricity, water and telephone. This is an excellent way to conserve the environment and reduce monthly expense. Teach your children to turn off the light after leaving the room or turn off the light when there is enough sun light, reduce water usage and do not forget to close the tap properly, and reduce not important phone calls. Change the light bulbs around your house with saving energy type and reduce using high voltage electronic appliances when it is unnecessary.

Alternative job or income

Try to think alternative income before you can get a new job such as invest your "package money" to property and get money from renting the property. It is important to select a save investment so you will lose your money easily. For instance, a stock market may not be a good idea because it is very volatile and you can lose your money quickly when you choose the wrong stocks.

Try to consider alternative jobs that you can do, such as writer, painting, teaching, singing, music, translator, and chef. Being a writer in Associated Content is one of the alternative job your can choose.

You may even start your own business. Try to find the business that people needed everyday like selling food and other necessities. The most important one is to choose a business with minimum risk.

Keep your healthiness

Do not neglect caring for yourself and eat healthy food because you may feel stressful for a while. The stress that I felt has attacked my stomach. Luckily there is an alternative medicine like lemon for gastric problem

Pray

Do not blame God for all problems that you have to face, but repent your sin and seek for His helps and power to pass these difficult days. Pray together with all family members every day as it will strengthen you. We can do all efforts and try every possible thing that you can think off, but only God that can make decision to give blessing for us.

I believe that there are many people who have the same path like me and I hope this article can help. Remember how beautiful is rainbow after the rain? We forget the cold and scary thunders after rainbow appears on the sky. We will pass our dark, stressful days and we will walk toward the rainbow. Be a winner against your problems and hope you can get a new job soon.

God bless you all.