Downsized. Laid off. Reorganized. Terminated. Outsourced. Redundant. Relocated. Merger. Acquisition. Bail out. Re-tool. Restructure. Chapter 11. Bankruptcy. Default. Foreclosure.
We hear these words on the news and around the water cooler everyday.
The managers and CEOs always say, “It’s not personal. It’s just business” or “We have to do what is best for the stockholders.” Well, the reality is that it is personal. Ironically, many employees are stockholders. People’s lives are affected and it can mean hardship and disaster for many families.
Losing your job is a very stressful situation. The loss of a paycheck for an unknown length of time can mean financial disaster and even worse, some families fall apart over money issues.
“For richer or for poorer” sounds good in wedding vows, but reality does not illustrate that sentiment all the time. But, this article is not about marriage counseling by any means.
Losing Your Job: Effects on the Psyche
Many years ago, before corporate downsizing, reorganizations, attrition, mergers, and the like were commonplace, the loss of employment was almost as bad as getting the plague. For some reason, people who lost their jobs were treated like pariahs in the community. Everyone talked about them behind their backs, which is a ridiculous notion. Nonetheless, it happened.
Now, in these wavering economic times of uncertainty, everyone is thinking or asking “Am I next to go?” Well, in short, the answer is “Possibly". Very few, if any, people can claim that their job is completely shielded from any business deal or economic crisis.
One thing you have to keep in mind is that it is not your fault that you are out of work and “in transition", which is the current trendy descriptive phrase. Not too long ago, the trendy phrase was “between jobs". In any case, it is not your fault that you are unemployed. You just have to come to grips with the fact that you will be in a difficult position for an unknown length of time, which is scary.
All too often, people define their lives by their career, which can prove to be disastrous. This self-imposed personal view may be beneficial or required in some careers, such as physician or law enforcement agent, where you are never really off-duty. But, in most cases, once you leave work, you become Dad or Mom…which are much more important titles.
But, sometimes, a person’s job is his life, such as a farmer, a vital job that everyone relies on for survival. The loss of a farm means certain disaster, because people in these jobs rarely have other options. There is no real answer for people in this situation.
For your own personal sake and well being…do not become your job.
Join a Support Group
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you are not alone. Millions of people in the United States are out of work and you all share many common questions, such as, “Will I lose my house, car, etc.?”, “What happens if me or my family gets sick?”, or “How long is it going to last?”. These are all very important and difficult questions to answer.
You may consider seeking out a support group in your community where you can discuss these questions with people in the same situation. There are some support groups that are comprised of professionals in your field or related fields who understand your situation. There are support groups that are comprised of people from a wide range of professions, which can be a good thing because they can provide a different perspective from their point of view.
Your local houses of worship may have a support group. Ask about it. If they don’t have one, maybe consider starting one. It is likely that many people in your congregation are also out of work. The clergy may help to support your cause and let you use the facility as a meeting place free of charge. Religious organizations can offer personal and spiritual support to help guide you through difficult times.
Reconnect with Yourself, Family and Friends
I have found my transitional period to be very beneficial to reconnect with many people with whom I lost contact over the years. I have also used my time to do things I enjoy such as playing guitar, writing articles and songs, and cooking. Though the encouragement of family and friends, I plan to publish a cookbook. So, reconnect with yourself and do the things that you enjoy.
In these tough economic times, it’s a good bet that you have some family and friends that are out of work too. You are all in the same situation. One good thing about being out of work is that you have a lot of free time to get together with your peeps. When you reconnect with old acquaintances, this too becomes a support group. If they are true connections, they will not abandon you in your time of need.
Be irrelevant. What? This means do not take yourself too seriously. Everyone needs some downtime to decompress from work-related and daily stress. Try to take some “me time” and put the stressors on hold and deal with them later. Find something to relieve your stress. For example, go for a 30-minute walk everyday. Take your mp3 player loaded with upbeat or happy songs and go for a walk. You do not to need to go out and spend money that you do not have to feel good about yourself. You will probably regret it later when you get the credit card bill.
Another thing you can do is utilize social networking sites, such as Facebook. You may have some Facebook friends that can provide you with business connections. Also, many employers post career opportunities on their Facebook page.
Join LinkedIn. It is a professional social networking site. You can connect with former colleagues and potential employers. You can join networking groups specific to your profession.
Connect and reconnect. It is good to have anchors in rough waters.
Use Your Knowledge and Skills in a Different Way
So, you are out of work and you are not doing what you went to school to learn or were trained to do. In all likelihood, you know how to do something else, right? So, do it!
I knew that I was a decent writer and decided to write about agricultural and environmental issues. I was in the agricultural research industry for 25 years and studied biology, chemistry, and environmental management. So, I took what I already know how to do and used it in a different way. It keeps me occupied while I am “in transition” and it adds to my skill set for future employment.
Maybe you are good at fixing or building things? Maybe you are a good artist or musician? Are you a good cook or do you want to learn to cook? With your free time while you are unemployed, you can pursue your personal pleasures.
Some other things you can do, is join a local volunteer or charity organization. Check with your community leaders and organizations, because they may need some help. You may have some skills that these groups need or require. The people you meet in these organizations may be able to provide you with some networking connections. Also, the skills that you acquire from your volunteer service may be valuable in your next paying job.
The thing to remember is stay positive. This is America. Even though there are many people competing for the same job, there are many jobs available. You will eventually get a job that you enjoy. Your destiny is calling you to a much better place to work.
A much brighter future is ahead of you. Smile!
Final Notes
If at all possible...do not miss a mortgage / rent and health insurance payment while you are unemployed. These are costly expenses, but they are very necessary for your well-being
Related Article:
Investing In Yourself: Short-Term Costs for Long-Term Payouts
Mike Brandolino - Mike is a Research Biologist and Environmental Professional. His writing topic interests are wide and varied.
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