Dealing with Job Loss

Gabriel Most, LCSW RN, explores what happens when we lose our jobs and go from a schedule with a paycheck and benefits to an aimless focus, no income, and no health coverage.

Feelings Associated with Job Loss

Losing a job is a loss. It is a death of sorts. The more invested we become in our career,  the deeper the feelings of loss, fear, anger, and confusion we experience when fired.

Is this job loss the end of a career or the beginning of a new one?

How we perceive and experience unemployment sets the tone for pivoting in a volatile market.

Join Gabriel Mostovoy, LCSW RN, and me as we explore these challenges and find solutions to the ever-changing market. 

Managing Job Loss

The following is a list of things one can do to manage job loss and get back on one's feet, ready for the next chapter.  

1. Assess your Financial Resources

How much do you have in savings? How much do you owe in debt?

Reassess your lifestyle. What can you live without, and what is vital? (For example, Maintaining your health coverage vs. buying Grande Latte’s.) Trim the excess spending to buy yourself financial peace of mind.

Apply for unemployment if applicable. 

2. Prepare for your Job Search

Update your resume- Is your skill set up to date and reflective of the dream job you seek? If not, hone up on those skills.

Ensure you are looking for employment using platforms like AI, which can give you a competitive edge. Tools like “Jobscan” can compare your resume with listed jobs to ensure the “keywords” match.

Check the actual websites for the companies you want to work for. They might have actual job listings available or, at the very least, provide information on the work culture environment and the types of skill sets they are looking for.

3. Network, Network, Network.

   
   

Let everyone you know know that you have lost your job. Now is not the time to be shy or ashamed about being unemployed.

Ensure that all your social media platforms showcase that you are looking for a new job. 

4. Things to Consider

How do you manage any shame, sadness, and anxiety around job loss Are you procrastinating?

Job loss can create a sense of shame and loss of identity. This can sometimes lead to bad habits like excessive drinking, withdrawing socially, reckless online shopping, or online adult content.

Stay mindful and focus on using your job loss as an opportunity to reinvent yourself.

Put all your talents to use, ones you may not have gone to school for. Don’t limit yourself or let others limit you. Your personal history can lead to new kinds of work and skill sets. Like languages, public speaking, or standup comedy.

Share Your Story

What are your thoughts and feelings about this process? We’d love to hear from you. Share your story. Join us as we explore the changes in