by Leah Jackson
Losing a job, regardless of the circumstances, takes a toll -- emotionally and financially.
"When losing a job, there can often be a mix of emotions, depending on the circumstances of the separation, and a feeling of embarrassment can often be one of those emotions," explains Sally Anne Carroll, PCC, founder of Whole Life Strategies Coaching. "Many of us tend to have a lot tied up in our work lives, from our finances to relationships to our professional identity, and that can bring up a lot of stories about what it means that we're no longer working at that job."
Indeed, trying to maintain your dignity and self-esteem and find a way to move forward can be a difficult feat. Yet, you must start the process (of healing and job hunting).
A healthy and productive plan for recovering from your job loss will likely include grieving and emotionally digesting the loss, reaching out to (and growing) your network, and developing good job search habits so that you can find your dream position.
Carroll says it's important to take a little time to collect yourself. "Especially in the immediate aftermath, it's important to pause, gather your emotions and don't make any important decisions until you've had a chance to recalibrate," she cautions. "This is the time for self-care -- including the basics of rest, nutrition, and exercise -- so that you can manage your physical and mental energy effectively and resource yourself well as you navigate this change."
She also advises that rushing into action isn't always the answer. While tempting, she says, "it's often better to channel our energy into reflection before planning. Create the space you can to be intentional about your next move (as resources allow). This is the time to reflect and reconnect to your personal and professional vision, your career goals, strengths, and values. It's time to take stock of the experience and skillset you have, the network you have, and where you might want to go next in your career."
The bottom line is that losing a job has a lot wrapped up in it. How you work through it is a key part of moving forward successfully and efficiently. The following previously published HigherEdJobs articles serve as resources, or reminders, for how you can regroup and start the next part of your career journey (or help a friend or family member experiencing a job loss).
1. Where to Start After a Job Loss
Even if you want to move forward, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide provides a roadmap for processing the loss and taking some initial steps toward your next opportunity.
2. How to Regroup after a Job Loss or Rejection
Your response to a job loss or rejection can be a transformative time in your career if you use it as an opportunity for reflection, planning, and exploration. This article provides steps to take before jumping back into your job search.
3. How to Help a Friend Who Has Experienced a Job Loss
Originally written during the pandemic era when layoffs were at an all-time high, this article shares timeless tips for offering meaningful support to friends or family members who have lost their jobs.
4. Addressing Difficult Topics in an Interview
Discussing your job loss with family, friends, and mentors is difficult enough, let alone having to explain the situation to a prospective employer. This article shares advice for navigating conversations like these with confidence.
This article is republished from HigherEdJobs® under a Creative Commons license.