Recovering From Redundancy

Losing a job can be very scary and stressful for anyone. Financial security, leaving a job that is familiar to you, uncertainty about your future are all concerns that you may experience. The challenge is to not let your job loss put you into a depression where you lose all hope. Keeping a positive attitude and looking at this time of change as a new adventure can help you to transition into another job or even a new career. Following are steps that can help guide you while dealing with your job loss.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Whether you have worked at the same place for 20 years or 20 days, you are going to experience many different emotions about your job loss. In the beginning, you may experience denial. You may feel that it is happening to someone else, but you will soon realize your loss. You may start to feel angry and frustrated. You may be mad at the company that let you go. You may even begin to feel angry at yourself. Worrying about your financial situation and family, frustration and anxiety may set in.

Recognize your feelings so that you can better deal with them. During this time, it is so easy to slip into a depression that can prevent you from finding your next job or career path. Make sure you talk to your family and friends about your feelings. Your loved ones will want to help you. If you are not comfortable talking to others, write in a journal. Documenting your feelings can help you to understand them.

Keep Yourself Active And Healthy

Continue to keep yourself active and healthy. If you are normally active and eat healthy, continue that routine. If you have never exercised or eaten healthy, start today. Think of your temporary unemployment as a new beginning. Whether it is walking, running, or sports, keep yourself active. This can help you deal with your stress, as well as keep you focused on finding a job.

Consider All Job Opportunities

Don’t let a job opportunity pass you by. Apply to everything you are qualified for, even if it is part-time. One opportunity may lead to something better. Plus, it is always a good idea to expand your skills and references. Call any contacts you have to ask about their workplace and possible job openings. While utilizing the internet and job boards is great, make sure you personally go to the business and apply when possible. This gives you an opportunity to make a great first impression.

You may want to turn your job loss into an opportunity to change careers. Consider all of your skills and qualifications. You might even want to go back to school. Research growing fields to see if one interests you.

Losing a job can be very overwhelming. The key is to look at it as a transition into something better. While it is hard not to feel anxious and depressed, you need to focus on the new opportunity that is coming your way. Just remember, you have to make it happen. You can’t sit at home and expect a job to come to you. Go out and find your new opportunity.