GETTING PAST A JOB-LOSS

In these times of economic difficulties, losing a job can be very devastating. With it come uncertainties, worries and hurt ego. You get drown with such negative thoughts that you cannot seem to think clearly. As a result, you tend to pressure yourself and hastily look for any job. Or perhaps, you sulk in one place and pity yourself for suddenly being a part of ‘social outcast.' Or, it could be that you use your remaining energy to ‘sour-graping' or bashing of your former employer to salvage your wounded sense of worth. Those acts of desperation, self-denial and insecurities are just but counterproductive.

Anyone of us is a potential victim of layoff. Even the smartest professional could go through the same dilemma. More often than not, it comes in the most unexpected time of our career. When you think that everything seems to be going on the right track—you're doing a great job, you're getting good salary, etc – the company you're working with announced a massive layoff due to bad business situation. Alas, you're included in the list. And the pain can last for days, for months, or for years. It all depends on how you would accept and handle the situation.

First thing you have to do is to accept the fact that you lost your job. Face the situation and don't douse your self with panic and fears. It could be that you are just a victim of restructuring or closure which is way beyond your control. You have to compose yourself and look at the situation on a broader perspective. Yes, it is not easy to get yourself into a career transition especially if it comes in unwanted situation at unexpected time of your career. But the fact that you have to deal with it should give you enough strength to accept the situation and move on.

Discuss your fate with your family members and to those who will be directly affected of your job-loss. This should be the next important order in your list of action items. While it is true that it is not easy to bring up this type of subject, talking to them openly about the incident can lessen the emotional agony you're going through. Although you might get varied reactions from the family members, conducting an open discussion with them can help you and your family come up with valuable ‘resolutions' to the situation. In cases of financial concern, everyone in the circle can fill the temporary ‘monetary gaps' needed for the monthly expenses.

Equally important step you have to take is to assess yourself. While it can be that you are a just a victim of a circumstance, it is also possible that you have somehow influenced the situation that led to unfavorable effect towards you. You might ask yourself “why me?” Look at possible shortcomings or mistakes that you did in the workplace that could have contributed to your fate. Reflecting on this thing can help you pick up the pieces, learn from it and improve yourself.

Once you accept and gain a better understanding of the situation, it's now time for you to move forward. The ‘layoff' tag in your career does not decrease your chances of getting a job. It is how you carry yourself and how much you want a new job.

Just remember, you only lost a job, but not the knowledge and years of work experience in your portfolio.