Anonymous
JOB LOSS COPING TIPS
Anthony Robbins
This is a good time to evaluate your new income and your expenses. As you develop a new budget, you will reduce living expenses where you can and eliminate unnecessary expenses. While you determine reductions in expenses, keep in mind that you must continue to take time to rest and relax. However, instead of dinner at a nice restaurant and a movie, consider eating in, rent a movie and make some popcorn. We know that there is usually an enormous difference between "needs" and "wants". As you take control over the finances, you will find it smoother and less stressful to cope with job loss and take the steps to recover from loss.
This may be the ideal time to reevaluate and reinvent yourself. While some of the basics of job search still apply, many things have changed and you need to be flexible and adapt to the changes. As you cope and start the job search, the biggest challenge may be the initial change in your attitude and approach. A positive attitude and a planned approach during difficult situations will help in the coping process. A job generally occupies a majority of your time. Now you must develop a new schedule that fills that time slot. In most cases, your job search will be your new job. Allocate full time to this endeavor by seeking career counseling, resume' preparation, net working, completing applications and scheduling interviews. Take time to eat a healthy lunch, exercise and learn some stress management skills. There are numerous helpful books on this topic.
COPING REQUIRES THE RIGHT MINDSET
Major loss or sudden life changing events come into every life and all loss results in grief. It is interesting to note that no matter what the loss, the emotional pain and the stages of grief are the same. The level of pain differs and coping methods differ to some degree. Loss of a job requires strong coping skills.
Millions of Americans have been downsized or layed off during the current recession. It is interesting to note that all loss, personal or financial, introduces us to the seven stages of grief. Although the stages of grief can be defined and neatly placed in an anticipated order, not everyone travels the same path out of grief. We may not march through the stages in the described order. We may also leave a stage only to return to that stage.
There are many excellent books on the subject of grief and how to cope. There are many counselors and pastors that can lend an ear, provide support and advice. It is important that the focus move from grief to a new plan of action. Although the pain and grief process for every loss is similar, the recovery phase is somewhat different. For example, the recovery from a job loss cannot be compared to the recovery from loss of a loved one. When we lose a job, the stages are fast-tracked. As a practical matter, we must move through the recovery much faster. We must search for a new job or make a decision to return to school. The loss of a loved one requires more time, more focus and more faith and prayer.
Remember that in every adversity, there is a lesson or a blessing. If you are among the unemployed, the holidays can be especially stressful. But you can take action to reduce the stress. After you have taken the steps to file for benefits, prepared your resume and started the job search, there will be a time of waiting. TAKE ACTION.
Decide to have an attitude of gratitude
Do something for a friend or neighbor
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Read a book that makes you laugh
Take a walk
Smile at a stranger
Be sure you eat healthy foods and get your sleep
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
Helen Keller
RECOVER FROM LOSS OF JOB AND LOSS OF INCOME AND
BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN TO NEW SOURCES OF INCOME
LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF MYSTERY SHOPPING
Write a thank you note to someone in the military
