How to cope with the feeling of losing your job

Of the many adversities this pandemic has brought, unemployment is one of the biggest ones. Many businesses have shut down, companies are laying off the manpower and thousands of people have lost their jobs. Many lucky ones who managed to sustain are still living under the stress and uncertainty. What’s done can not be undone, life cannot stop and one has to move on. In this post, I have shared a few pointers on how to cope with the feeling of losing your job.

How to cope with the feeling of losing your job

Talk to the positive people:

Positivity has magic. You feel good. So, talk to the people who understand you and make you feel good about yourself. We are surrounded by many people but you know whom you can discuss and open your heart with. Go ahead and share your thoughts with someone who is a good listener and would not be judgmental while listening to you. Don’t expect to get a solution from them. Sometimes, just reaching out to someone and venting out is the best catharsis.

Take it as an opportunity: 

I know being philosophical and being realistic are two different aspects, but sometimes life throws many questions for which you don’t have an answer at that moment. Take such a situation as an opportunity to introspect. Explore the new opportunities, try different things, look at your creative side, rethink your career priorities, come out of your comfort zone and you never know you may do wonders in something you had never thought of trying before. It could be anything of your interest.

It’s OK to cry:

Yes, and I mean it. Many people may not agree with me here but I felt crying out helps in moving on further. Scientifically also, it is proven that tears release a hormone which makes us feel better. Crying does not make you weak, in fact, it’s a sign of emotional strength. A loss is a loss, and when it’s sudden, its inconsolable at times and if crying makes you feel better, do it and move on.

Don’t be a bad mouth about your Company:

I have seen many people cribbing about their past organizations but I personally don’t vouch for it. No company is perfect, no matter how big shot brand name it is. It has given you employment, you have earned bread and fed your family. No, none of you has done a favor on each other but speaking ill about it, won’t do any good except spreading negativity.

Think about a situation if tomorrow you had found a better job, you would have also quit your current job, right? So, don’t make a big deal out of it and move on with a happy note.

Network and socialize:

Having a social circle is always good, you meet new people and learn from them. So, while you are not in a job, try to socialize and make a network of like-minded and similar experienced folks. Join some job clubs, keep your profile updated on all the job portals, keep an eye on the upcoming recruitment drives in your city. Meeting people facing a similar challenge in life motivates you and you don’t feel alone in the club. In the meantime while you hunt for another job, you can consider work from home options to earn livelihood.

Stay positive and believe in “Something better is in store for you”:

Staying positive attracts positivity in life, so be a fighter and don’t feel bogged down. It may sound impractical to you at first because job loss comes with not just loss of money but also self-confidence and self-esteem. You feel irritated but in order to cope up, an optimistic approach can help you regain yourself. Write all your positives, strengths and accomplishments. Utilize your time and learn new skills, keep yourself updated with the latest trends in the industry, improve your CV, write an impressive but realistic cover letter. Keep trying and things will fall in the right place at the right time. With a positive outlook and a calm mind, you will be able to explore around in a better way and face the interviews also with confidence.

Stop blaming yourself and go easy:

So, you have lost your job and fall into a job seeker’s category. Now what? You have two ways to go: Either blame and criticize yourself for the loss, doubt your capabilities, keep muttering, “I am a loser”, “I am good for nothing”, “It was my mistake”, “I could have done this or that” etc. Or the second option is to accept the reality and look for the next other career options. The latter will definitely help you so go easy and trust your abilities, hang in there, this phase shall pass and things will get better.