Published on: 11/5/2015IST

Loss of job can really set one a path to grief, depression and insecurity. Moreover, in times like these, we are married to our jobs more than we are to our spouses, lovers or cats for that mater. Beyond being broke, losing a job also comes with other major losses, like loss of identity, loss of daily routine (it’s more like a love-hate relationship right?), work-social network and most importantly self confidence! But you are not done! Really. You can still collect yourself up and get going on newer adventures (we mean jobs :P).

So we asked Dr. Priyaranjan Avinash, Consultant Psychiatrist to tell us about ways to how to handle loss of job, this is what she had to say…

1. Be ready.

As the saying goes “one can’t go digging a well when there is a fire”. Similarly the best way to handle any stressful situation, including job loss is to prepare for it beforehand. Anyone who has been working for a sufficiently long time, should have a saving in the liquid form equivalent to a minimum of 3 months of their last salary drawn. Finances apart, one should keep enhancing their 'skill-base' from their current skill set. One should always try to be indispensible for their current job. One good way to check whether you are one or not is to ask yourself "what my employer is going to lose, when I am not there". One should aspire for the answer “A lot”.

2. Face your feelings.

In spite of all the preparation, when the job loss actually strikes, it’s natural to go into grief. But rather than avoiding the feelings associated with it, one should face it, as this way it’s easier to come out of it. Talk to your trusted friends and family members. Share your fears and anxieties. Accept the reality. According to the famous psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 'the last stage of normal grief is acceptance, sooner one achieves it, better it is.'

3. It can be a sign.

Losing a job is easier to accept if you can find the lesson in their loss. What can you learn from the experience? Maybe your job loss and unemployment has given you a chance to reflect on what you want out of life and rethink your career priorities. Maybe it has made you stronger. If you look, you’re sure to find something of value.

4. Handle yourself with care.

• Maintain balance in your life: Your job search will be more effective if you are mentally, emotionally, and physically at your best.

• Make time for regular exercise: Exercise can be a great outlet for stress and worry while you’re unemployed and looking for work. It is also a powerful mood and energy booster. 

• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep has a huge influence on your mood and productivity. Make sure you’re getting between 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

• Practice relaxation techniques: They boost your feelings of serenity and joy and teach you how to stay calm and collected in challenging situations — including job loss and unemployment.

• Keep a regular daily routine: Loss of job may cause a vacuum. When you no longer have a job to report to every day, you can easily lose motivation. Treat your job search like a regular job, with a daily “start” and “end” time. Following a set schedule will help you be more efficient and productive while you’re unemployed.

5. Stay future-focused.

Focus on the future. Don’t cry long for the lost job. Look into the positives, like how it gives you opportunity to change your job profile, or how this can actually be a blessing in disguise. Focus on the new job opportunities, focus on the changing work ethos, focus on the futuristic jobs. What you focus on, expands. So focus on what you want, not on what you don’t.

6. Practice telling your story.

Spend some time rehearsing how you'll answer the question "Why were you fired?" If you were let go for performance issues you might say, "My skills were not a good fit for the position I previously held. That is why I'm particularly interested in the position here. It sounds like, my technology background could be a good addition to this department." Practice your response so you're comfortable when you have to discuss it in an interview.

7. Remember that one employer's opinion does not define you.

There are always people in life that we will simply not click with. The boss that just fired you is probably one of them. Set your mind to finding a work situation where your contributions are valued and you are happy to show up to work every morning.

8. List your positives.

Make a list of all the things you like about yourself, including skills, personality traits, accomplishments, and successes. Write down projects you’re proud of, situations where you excelled, and things you’re good at. Revisit this list often to remind yourself of your strengths.

9. Tap your network.

The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s why networking is the best way to find a job. Networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself — it’s about building relationships. As you look for a new job, these relationships can provide much-needed feedback, advice, and support.

10. Extend kindness.

It’s pretty simple really, extending kindness toward others makes us feel good. Unemployment can wear on your self-esteem and make you feel useless. Volunteering helps you maintain a sense of value and purpose. Volunteering can also provide career experience and social support. It can also be an effective way to build your network, and show potential employers you are not sitting idle, waiting for work to come your way. 

11/7/2015 | | Permalink