How to Cope with Job Loss

Mass layoffs and downsizing from corporate merger and acquisition activities are happening in many organisations all around the world. Dismissals of employees in desperate cost cutting measures have also become commonplace in today's world.

Probably the one good thing that results from this trend might very well be that getting fired would no longer come with that much stigma anymore. However, losing a job can still be emotionally and financially traumatic. Feelings of shock, insecurity and doubts about self-worth may set in, and in some cases, result in severe depression for some individuals. The higher they are in the corporate structure, the greater the harrowing impact.

Though job loss is an inevitable problem, one can learn how to cope with it and manage the crippling feelings of fear, pain and despair.

1. Be Positive

Adopting a positive attitude can make a lot of difference in helping you cope with the loss and move on faster. Losing your job is something that is totally beyond your control. Mulling over why it happened would not change the fact that you are now unemployed or make you feel any better. More often than not, such negativity would only result in desperation and panic, which is ultimately counter-productive.

Instead, take a proactive stance to reevaluate your career goals and focus your mind on making new plans for the future. It is not what you have done that matters any more, but what you are going to do and how you are going to achieve it.

Stay in touch with ex-colleagues who had also lost their jobs and establish a support system to encourage and motivate one another. Knowing that your peers are in the same boat allows you to take comfort in the fact that you are not going through this difficult period alone.

To a future employer, you would come across as someone who is resilient and forward-looking. Having a cool mind on your shoulders also indicates your maturity in managing challenges and setbacks, and not taking an impersonal business decision as a personal attack.

2. Reassess Your Life

Many people will take this opportunity to take stock of their personal and career goals. With more time on your hands, you can identify your key strengths and reaffirm them in a new resume, and work on any weaknesses that may otherwise hinder your future job search.

It would also be a good time to reassess your financial commitments and be prepared to make some changes in your lifestyle. However, these changes should be gradual and not too drastic as that would only add on to the stress of being jobless.

This may be the best opportunity to take back control of your life and career again, revisit your priorities and set new directions for yourself. An in-depth self-evaluation would be useful to discover what truly matters most to you in your life, and help you make decisions on where to steer your life in the near future.

3. Develop A Game Plan

The best career comeback plan is to find a job that is even better than the last. Your job loss can be some other company's gain. Update your resume and polish your self-marketing and branding skills. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, casually mention that you are available and actively seeking new career opportunities, especially those that require your capabilities, skills and experience. Do not forget to also highlight those achievements you have made in your career and the extensive network you have built over the years in the industries that you have worked before.

If you do not have the luxury of waiting for the "right" opportunity, ensure financial survival by taking on freelance projects or contract work. This strategy not only helps you stay relevant and employed, it also allows you to make additional contacts at the same time. You also have the freedom to pursue other job opportunities when they arise.

Having a temporary or part time job gets you out of the house and helps take your mind off the problems that usually come with the job loss. It also puts you around other people, exposes you to new opportunities and gives you a chance to contribute and generate income. The trickle-down effect would be a significant boost to the damaged morale and self-esteem.

4. Stay on Track

A job loss can unsettle even the most confident, self-assured and optimistic professional. Be mindful that the stress of a career setback can take on a domino effect and cascade down into your personal life. The feelings of rejection and pain of being laid off can linger on even after you have settled into a new job, especially if the previous job meant a lot to you. Take the time to heal and rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. Talk about it to your family and friends, and be realistic about what had happened. Avoid dramatics and being emotional about the issue, but rather, discuss your future plans or your new career opportunity.

The key is not to fix the problem, but to understand that it is more important to cope and manage it at a pace that you are comfortable with. Get up to your speed with your new job and dispel any self doubts by refocusing your energy on the task at hand. Gain control of your life and find solid ground again. Stay on track and take small steps to achieve the goals you have set for your career comeback.

5. Moving On

There are many other coping mechanisms that some people adopt to stay out of a self-defeating rut after a job loss. Some seek the help of friends or a therapist to convert feelings of frustration, anger and loss into positive energy and action. Others go on an active job search and respond regularly to recruitment ads. The more self-motivated ones will proactively attend networking events and professional meetings or attend courses and career workshops to upgrade their skills.

If you are still out of a job, persist in a positive mindset, keep yourself updated by reading magazines and journals in your fields, use a variety of sources in your job search and maintain a wide network of contacts. Celebrate each achievement no matter how small they might be, and continue to give yourself room to improve and grow professionally. The challenge should no longer be getting back on your feet, but to begin moving ahead again.

-end-