WORK IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF OUR LIVES. SO MUCH SO, THAT MANY OF US SEE WORK COLLEAGUES MORE than OUR OWN FAMILIES!
So, how do you handle the sudden loss of a job? How can you effectively manage and endure the stress it can inflict on your physical well-being, mental health, and your daily life? Being unemployed takes a toll on your mental well-being.
To say the last few years has been challenging for businesses is an understatement. Even with the economy picking back up, businesses have struggled to meet targets and bring in new customers, and we’re seeing many close or downsize. If you have been caught up in this – lost your job or struggling to find consistent more permanent work – it can take its toll on you, your family and your way of life.
Becoming jobless can trigger certain effects:
- Emotional stress – you might experience feelings of distress, sadness, frustration, or confusion.
- Financial strain – the pressure to secure work can mentally make you feel stretched. Casual or contract work can being uncertainty raising numerous questions and self doubt creeping in.
- Loss of Confidence – if you don’t know where to start, and haven’t updated your resume in 10+ years, it’s understandable for you to feel a loss of confidence or identity. It leaves you thinking “who am I” after working somewhere with the same people for so many years. Your job may have been your life…
Are you experiencing any of these feelings? It can leave you feeling uncertain about your intended path or how to navigate through this challenging phase. Rest assure, there are ways you can ensure you cope mentally, so you can get back on your feet and give yourself the best opportunity to succeed.
Coping Strategies TO TACKLE Job Loss
1.Try not to worry – it’s normal to feel loss or even signs of disbelief and grief. You may also experience feelings of denial, anger, irritability, sadness, or fear. Sit with these feelings, and work through them each day. It’s important not to suppress them.
2. Consider your thoughts – what are you saying to yourself about the situation? Are you being positive, or a bit “negative nancy”? Some advice and support to work through and depersonalise these thoughts can be helpful.
3. It’s not you – remember, it’s not YOU who has been made redundant, rather the role you worked in. The position has changed, and so it’s now your turn to make some change. Embrace it and take the first step.
4. Reach out – get practical help in job seeking skills such as resume development, so you feel organised and more confident. An increase in confidence and a change of thought patterns can make all the difference in the type of job role you next head into.
5. Ask for support – think about asking for some additional support to assist you through the transition stage, to move towards managing and accepting the change in a more helpful way. Lean on someone close to you, or seek support from one of our therapists who are always here for a chat.
6. Don’t let the basics fly out of the window – try to keep a good routine of sleep, eating well (and regularly) and exercising – even if you don’t feel like it at the time. This will keep your mindset in a good place.
7. Talk about your feelings – talk to those close to you whom you trust, rather than withdrawing and isolating yourself. Opening up allows you to embrace the change, and make a plan to move forward. Not sure how to make a new plan? – let us know, we can help you navigate this time.
8. Take time to breathe or learn to meditate – it can make all the difference in how you feel going into interviews. Mindfulness is something we teach in our therapy sessions, which can increase your feelings of calmness, allowing you to think clearly and make practical decisions.
9. Don’t rush big decisions – there is a fine line between doing nothing and rushing into making decisions, just so you feel like you are doing something. Take your time to make the right decision for yourself when it comes to a new workplace.
When re-entering the job market, strive to be your best self during interviews. Although there may be pressure to accept the first job offer, prioritise decisions that align with your long-term goals and values. You want to ensure you enjoy your new position, and it’s right for you and your family/situation in the long term.
If you feel you could use some additional support and direction through this new transition in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak to one of our team. Sometimes some guidance to give you new direction and meaning can make a big difference.
Written by Rebecca Deane – Principal Clinical Psychologist – www.creatingchange.net.au
