Introduction
For most of us, our work is like an anchor in which an identity, a role, and perhaps a sense of prestige are rooted. Our work provides us with a structured framework around which we organize our personal lives, our goals, our leisure activities, and upon which we base our financial decisions. It is our livelihood, what we give ourselves and what we attribute to others. Our work is a means by which we carry out productive and worthwhile activities. Our work is order, regularity and, what we like to believe, predictability and stability.
As a result of all of these aforementioned proper and symbolic meanings attributed to our jobs, losing a job, whether it was anticipated or unanticipated, can become a disruptive and disconcerting experience.
As adults, we expect to be able to take control of the changes that disrupt our lives. When someone else steps in and makes decisions that seriously affect our lives, such as layoffs and job cuts, we feel our vulnerability and temporary loss of control over our lives.
Psychologists say that job loss is the third most stressful event in a person’s life (the first being the death of a loved one and the second being a divorce).
No one is prepared for the loss of a job
Losing a job is an event that people are very unprepared for. Your previous training was in “getting a job”, keeping it and growing with it. Most people have had no professional training on how to deal with job loss. When the time comes, the experience can often be painful, frightening and confusing. The pain and worry will fade with time. In fact, there are steps you can take to speed up the process of healing from the emotional impact of a job loss.
Return to the labour market by initiative
You have lost a job and this is a very serious event. However, it is possible to get back into the workforce. Most people lose a job at some point during their career. You may not be prepared to deal with a job loss, but when you return to the workforce, you can and will undoubtedly take control of your current situation and be better prepared to deal with those challenges and rewards in the next phase of your working life.
Maintain contingencies
As is the case with sudden and unforeseen events that you must face in your life, you must now make a decision. Are you going to view your current situation as a problem—- or an opportunity?
All changes in life, although often painful, can become an unforeseen instrument of growth and progress. Now is the unique time to evaluate the relationship between your career and your personal happiness.
If you are one of the statistical majority who have felt at times that your career was no longer sufficient or challenging, participating in a career transition program can be an opportunity to evaluate other possibilities. If your career is meeting your expectations and you are happy with your career choice, it is now time to analyze your experiences and participation and decide how you will prepare for the next step.
The best way to launch and conduct a successful job search campaign is to keep a positive mindset towards yourself, your family, your friends, your former employer and your overall situation.
Admit your emotions
Stress can be caused by very negative or very positive emotions; job seekers experience both. Expect to go from anger and disappointment to excitement and relief. Many job seekers describe their time of unemployment as an emotional roller coaster.
Denying your emotions will only delay your progress. Accept your emotions. Take the necessary steps to process them. Accept that you are experiencing a range of very painful feelings; then agree to talk about them with trusted friends and family members; you will be able to complete the process of returning to work more quickly. You will find the energy to dive into the tasks of a job search and the optimism to enjoy the future.
Stages of job loss and re-entry into the workforce
People react to job loss in the same way they react to the loss of anything important in their lives—-they grieve. This emotional process can be broken down into distinct stages: shock, denial, fear, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Not all people experience these feelings; those who do may experience intense feelings before reaching a state of acceptance and a desire to move forward enthusiastically. These stages are described below:
- Shock: This first stage usually begins during the separation meeting and may last a few minutes or a few days. Shock is a very unsettling experience and, to help us cope with this unpleasant time, it can lead us to the next stage, denial.
- Denial: By denying that an event has occurred, it is possible to “buy time” until we are able to accept it
- Fear: Fear is a healthy protective reaction that alerts us to impending challenges. It is common to feel some level of fear during the career transition process, as people are constantly finding themselves in new situations.
- Anger: Often triggered by a sense of betrayal, anger is also a healthy emotional response because it tells us what we value. Anger is a great motivator; it gives us the energy to continue.
- Negotiation: This stage often includes an attempt to resolve the situation by trying to turn it around.
- Depression: Depression often occurs when a person begins to accept the irrevocability of what has happened and looks to the future.
- Acceptance: The person begins to accept the situation and is willing to work conscientiously to find a solution. Generally, they are positive and energetic.
- Enthusiasm: At this stage, the person’s confidence is restored and he or she is enthusiastic about researching options and possibilities.
Exercise: Confront Change
Make a list of the ten most important changes you have had to face in your life.