Photo Credit: Victor1558
Job loss can change your life in an instant.
Whereas one day you were financially comfortable, you may now find yourself unsure when your next pay packet will arrive.
Here are our tips to staying positive and motivated after job loss.
Allow yourself time to process job loss
Even if you saw it coming, job loss is still a shock. Work provides us with a sense of purpose and governs how we perceive ourselves. After job loss, many people undergo a process of grieving the loss of a future career as well as the loss of a stable self-concept.
While it is important to allow yourself time to grieve, you must also recognise when it is time to move on from job loss. Slipping into a rut of self-pity will cause your self-esteem to plummet and will make regaining your confidence a struggle. Try not to question “what if” or “if only I had”. What’s done is done. Focussing on the things that are out of your hands will only sap your energy and leave you feeling worse. Now is the time to focus on your future.
See the bright side of job loss
Instead of viewing your job loss as entirely negative, try to find a positive that you can take from the experience. Maybe you can apply for a position at another company that you weren’t game to put your hand up for previously. You may even re-evaluate your career completely and go down a new path. If this search for a positive proves impossible, try to at least think of something you have learned. You may have gained new skills or consolidated your passion for a certain industry. Thinking constructively will allow to you accept your job loss and to move on.
Keep active after job loss
Although it may be tempting to sit in your PJ’s watching daytime television after job loss, it is best to maintain a routine. One way to get out of the house is to take up some volunteer work. This will not only rejuvenate your sense of self-worth and purpose, but will also be a valuable addition to your resume.
It is also a good idea to allocate time between job-hunting to recharge your batteries by doing the things that you love. This may seem like redundant advice, but every now and then we all have to be reminded to have some fun! Shoot some hoops with your kids or take your dog to the beach for a walk. Participating in activities that you enjoy will help you to stay sane and keep your mind and body active.
Make a timeline
After job loss, it is a good idea to form a step-by-step timeline that details what you need to do before getting back into the workforce. This timeline may include:
- Editing your resume
- Acquiring references
- Researching and applying for jobs
- Planning interview outfits
Give yourself deadlines to complete these tasks. This goal-setting will make your job hunt a more efficient process and will also help to maintain your sense of purpose and structure.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you feel like you are not coping with job loss, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and seek support.
beyondblue have a free online guide to taking care of yourself after retrenchment or financial loss. Click here for the download link. You can also call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for counselling over the phone.
