Job loss happens. No matter who you are, you will almost certainly experience it eventually.
Today the most common loss is because:
- The Business shrank/was acquired/moved/failed
- You were fired/replaced/eliminated
But there are many forms of loss or setback that you might experience with your job. All of these still take a similar toll upon you emotionally:
- Your Responsibilities were reduced/demotion
- You Missed a Promotion
- Work Hours were reduced
- Telecommuting ended
- You must Report to Less Senior person
- Restructuring took away your comfort zone/physical location
- Personal Circumstances are impacting work arrangements
And, so on. In these tough economic times many of these types of problem are all too familiar.
Perhaps several such events even occur simultaneously? In all cases you will almost certainly experience a true sense of loss.
There will probably be a few other emotions accompanying this feeling, too:
- Anger/resentment
- A sense of loss-of-control
- Sadness
- Despair
- Anxiety/panic/fear
- Broken trust
- Insecurity
And, more. Such feelings will likely change over time; drifting in and out as you seek or move towards establishing a new role.
Ultimately, you will settle into a new situation. Hopefully improved and more stable; quite likely, different. The experience should help you learn. And again, ideally, it leaves behind only knowledge and awareness rather than long-term baggage.
But how do you deal with all this change and emotion? How do you walk away, better, stronger and ready to move forwards?
In practical terms you will be scouring the neighborhood and horizon to change your situation or find a new job. You will be more or less prepared and able to succeed, realistically depending on your:
- Maturity/stability
- Adaptability/flexibility
- Age/sex
- Skills
- Education/ability to learn
- Seniority
- Experience/history
- Job market
- Pay requirements
- Goals
- Interests
- Personality/presentation/communication
- Personal circumstance
- Network
You will undoubtedly be leveraging the Internet, useful and available professional services and above all that Network. This is the practical part of moving forwards.
However, what about you and your inner feelings? Like it or not your emotions will be jumping around recovering from the actual loss, your initial reaction, the healing process itself and the daily ups-and-downs of a job search.
What about your personal relationships? Spouses, significant others, children, friends, colleagues coupled with growing financial burdens might soon have you bouncing off the walls. This is hardly surprising.
The people in your life will typically be a mixed blessing. Some both offer and bring support, while others might be going through their own turmoil either as a result of this same situation or other burdens they might already bear.
Once beyond early emotional setbacks, we typically dive into the practical process of getting another job. Some, sadly, might fare worse, but let’s consider here those who are ready to act.
So, suppose you are now looking for a job or are exploring practical remedies to an unfavorable situation. Then, what about you, yourself? What about mental and physical health?
There are simple and beneficial steps you can take to better manage your life, reduces stress and orchestrate your way through such situations. I believe the best way is to follow this Seven Part Process and get:
1. Time for family/friends.
Turn the situation into an opportunity. If you didn’t take enough time for others previously, perhaps now you can improve on past behavior. When times are tough those close to you likely need more support now than before, anyway.
2. A Workspace to Plan and Operate.
Set up a viable place where you can make your plans and conduct the business of searching for your new situation. Stay organized and be tidy. Until something changes, your search becomes your new job. So, do it well and from a place where you can operate effectively, conveniently and professionally. The simplicity of order can be both relaxing and cathartic in itself.
Importantly: Start early with a Plan of your finances.
3. A Routine – for work, rest, sleep and play.
Plan what you’re going to do and allocate time accordingly. A good routine can reduce your stress and help you make time for things that matter. Avoid time wasters such as TV, electronic games and Internet searches without practical value
4. An Exercise Regimen/health.
We all need balance in our work/life routine. Part of this is attending to your health through exercise. Whether you practice a heavy workout or just a light exercise routine, be sure such activity is a scheduled part of your regimen. Maybe this is the time to take up that yoga class you’d considered, or perhaps you should dust off that bicycle in the garage? Whatever you choose, get into the habit of doing something that will benefit your health and lifestyle.
5. A Diet/health.
The odds are your dietary practices could use some review. Make this an opportunity to get on track, improve your health and energize yourself at the same time. Whether you need to lose weight or simply improve your eating habits, there are lots of help and good guidance to be found online or through established organizations.
6. A Network/new contacts.
When you are going through tough times there is a huge temptation to hide yourself away. Do just the opposite. Get out and meet people. Put yourself in social situations and expand your network both socially and professionally. The human contact will both boost your confidence and improve your reach in exploring new opportunities. Just be sure to stay away from toxic/negative people.
My experience has been that many jobs are found through personal contacts/networking. So, get out there and make contact with folks who enrich your personal life and can help you with your professional objectives. Sometimes they prove to be the same people.
7. A Hobby.
Mentioned last in this list, but so important for you. Find something in which you can lose yourself. I’d recommend an activity which is 100% under your exclusive control; this puts you back in charge. It should be both fulfilling and satisfy your needs.
Perhaps this too is a form of exercise (as above); it doesn’t matter. Maybe it is reading, writing, painting, building models or home improvement. Again, it doesn’t matter. The objective is to engage in an activity you enjoy and in which you can lose yourself and your troubles. Satisfaction from accomplishing the activity will bring you peace from what otherwise might be a tumultuous situation.
And, always, when making plans for the future…
Act to establish your new situation/job quickly, but
Prepare and be ready for a lengthy campaign
When in the throes of workplace and professional traumas there sometimes seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. But remember, regardless of your loss and difficulties all this will eventually pass and become just a memory.
And, by taking these recommended steps you can ease the struggle and even grow, learn and prosper in the process!
Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter @ianrmackintosh