What next after losing your job?
The recent mass sacking of staff at one of the
country’s leading media houses is warning shot to every employee who is in
employment. It is some wake up call that anything can happen and nothing is
permanent.
One of the worst things that can happen from a
career perspective is to lose your job. Losing a job often is a traumatic
experience. That’s especially true when it’s unexpected and not your fault.
It’s normal to feel angry, hurt, or depressed,
grieve for all that you’ve lost, or feel anxious about what the future holds.
Job loss and unemployment involves a lot of change all at once, which can rock
your sense of purpose and self-esteem.
Sacking employees is becoming very common but
dealing with the stigma can be difficult. But while in employment, it is good
to always be prepared for a sack. Being fired is one of the facts of working
life, and it can happen to any of us.
While the stress can seem overwhelming, there
are many things you can do to take control of the situation, maintain your
spirits, and come out of this difficult period stronger, more resilient, and
with a renewed sense of purpose.
Losing your job doesn't mean you aren't
valuable. No matter how devastating it might be, there is always some hope.
Just as Helen Keller said, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that
has been opened for us.”
With time and the right coping techniques, one
can come to terms with these setbacks, ease your stress and anxiety, and move
on with your career or change career altogether.
In the immediate aftermath of getting your
walking papers, do the following:
• Acknowledge that you are in a very stressful
situation and your feelings are entirely a normal reaction to it. It is very
normal to be upset or angry. Otherwise, never vent out towards your immediate
boss or coworkers.
• Take a short break to evaluate your
situation. You don't have to start looking for a new job the day after you get
fired but do not wallow in self-pity for very long.
• Try to figure out what happened so you can
learn from this experience. It is easy to blame others, but it is essential to
own your own mistakes. If you don't, it won't be possible to make the necessary
changes to keep it from happening again.
Take control
You might be tempted to act on denial,
convincing yourself that everything’s fine and not adjusting your lifestyle –
ignoring the fact that budgeting and job searching should be your top
priorities.
Being proactive allows you to use your unemployment
time wisely – whether it’s through training, volunteering, freelancing, or
interning. This is a very opportune time to realise what you really want to do
and to gain the skills needed to pursue it.
Assess and re-organise your finances
However, this is the time to assess your
finances. Learning to organise them effectively is key if you want to make your
money last. Don’t deplete your savings or increase your debt. Devise a budget
that allows you to cut down on your expenses as much as you can.
With your money taken care of (even if only
temporarily), you will have more time and energy to focus on picking yourself
up and finding a new job. Get rid of inessential expenses, reduce costs by
limiting unnecessary purchases and find ways to tone down your bills.
Stay positive
As hard as it may seem, you have to stay
positive and focus on learning, growing and making goals for the future.
If you find yourself struggling to find a
routine, make job searching your job. Make a set time to start and finish every
day, and set yourself goals to reach – whether it’s to apply for at least two
jobs, or just to refresh your CV.
Reach out to others to stay strong
Social contact is nature’s antidote to stress.
Nothing works better at calming your nervous system than talking face to face
with a good listener.
Though you may be tempted to keep your status a
secret, friends and family can’t begin to help if they’re not aware. Letting
people know you are available for new opportunities is the first step in
getting your job search off the ground.
If you find yourself alone and struggling, you
can join a support group. Meeting new people with common interests or other job
seekers can be invaluable sources of encouragement, support, and job leads.
Being around others facing similar challenges can help energise and motivate
you during your job search.
You can also talk to a professional who will
provide comfort and encouragement and also help you reign in those negative
emotions.
Invest in your personal development
If enrolling in a class or two will make you
more marketable and you can afford it, go for it. This way, you can boost your
self-esteem and it might end up being your positive outlet.
Create a competitive resume highlighting the
skills that are most in demand in your field. Let people in your professional
network know what has happened and don't be ashamed to ask for job leads.
Review your job interviewing skills and make sure you have appropriate attire
available.
Reevaluate your career choice
Losing your job provides the perfect
opportunity to reevaluate your career choice and determine whether a change is
in order.
One thing to consider is whether you enjoyed
what you were doing. Another is the health of your field.
If you feel that you would be happier or have
more stability in another occupation, make sure to do your homework first.
There are a variety of tools to help with career exploration, including several
that provide labour market information.
Do a thorough self-assessment to learn about
your interests, work-related values, personality type, and aptitudes then find
suitable occupations based on this information. You may need professional help
to do this.
Consider Starting Your Own Business
Do you have a marketable skill that can translate
into a profitable business? Sometimes losing a job comes at just the right
time. If you have ever thought about starting your own business, this is a good
time to give it serious consideration
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