Job loss can completely break a person – the fear of the unknown kicks in. Questions around survival, benefits, insurance, unemployment claims and much more, flood through thoughts and cause more confusion.
Discouraging rejection emails only add to the baggage, especially if you have been a long term employee with a company. I spoke to one of the sisters a few days ago who was working at a company for 12+ years only to go through some horrific experiences and having to quit her job in the middle of the layoff season. She loved her job, she loved each day she was able to contribute to her team members, get things done and be productive. Work was not a job for her, it was fun. People around her wondered how someone could have so much love for their work, but she truly did. She enjoyed each day and felt worthy to contribute and be recognized for her hard work. Until one day she found out that a new hired manager is taking over most of her responsibilities and she is discouraged from moving up into leadership positions by management.
She felt hurt, betrayed and was shattered by the fact that her new manager wanted her to quit her job. The fear of unemployment kicked in and her anxiety went out the roof. When I met her, she was in a sad state, seeking therapy and medical help to control her anxious mind. I too had experienced job loss, so I could relate to her feelings in some ways. I consoled her to calm her down.
When I got home, I thought about it and realized so many of us go through this emotional turmoil when we lose our jobs. The perspective of women losing jobs is much worse since there is a constant fear if they will find another job anytime soon. Unfortunately, all the “equality” BS that happens around to prove that women are equally important is garbage. When it comes to hiring, I feel no diversity, no women, no parameters are considered. It’s a competitive landscape where only the “stronger” resumes will win the race. Automated machines will tell who is a better match. Algorithms will tell if someone is hard working or willing to spend extra hours learning on the job.
It is a sad state of affairs. I feel women should not have to play the “woman” card to get noticed. It is unfair and employers should recognize effort and urge to learn and work instead of just a resume that dictates what they want to hear.
I feel bad for the lady, and many like her who literally suffer in the name of job loss.
Here are a few practical ways to deal with such emotions:
- Process your emotions – Seek help if needed, but find ways to express your grief. Don’t hold it in – it only makes it worse!
- Realize opportunities – there are many things you might have put on hold because you were working – now is the time to complete those!
not only will it help you get your mind off the job loss situation, but it will make you happy that you finally achieve what was put off for so long - You are NOT defined by your career or job – this is something a very good friend of mine said to someone one day and I internalized it. It is so true – our job is only a part of us, not the whole of us. Don’t let it define your strengths and weaknesses – you are better than that!
- Make a plan – plan out what steps you can take to add some sanity. Write things down and reflect on what you have done in the past and what direction you want to go next. It always helps to stay organized!
Any other tips you can add to this list here? Please do share the valuable tips so others can benefit from it too!