One of the challenging losses that we may face in life is losing a job. No one is immune to this happening. The day when we have to tell others that I just lost my job can be stressful. Sometimes you can tell when a job might be winding down and other times there may be a company buyout that brings changes, new bosses, and job loss. Or for some, there may be the company laying off or firing employees.
Unexpected Job Loss
Unless you see signs that your job loss might be coming in the future, it might take you by surprise. What’s next? Maybe you were already job searching, maybe not. If your boss passed away unexpectedly and you lost your job as a result of it, that would be a double ouch. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to plan when things at work look a little unstable—unless you’re being underpaid and overworked. If that’s the case, then you’ve probably already been job searching!
Interim Job Loss Solutions
What to do when the unexpected job loss happens? How about a few ideas to get you started, even though they are not all-inclusive. As you know, depending on your situation, job loss and job searching can be complex. So when job loss occurs try starting with these ideas listed below.
- Take a deep breath and stay calm
- Focus on taking one step at a time one day at a time to minimize your stress
- If you haven’t done a job search in a while, go on the internet and familiarize yourself with what’s happening in that area now. Look for tips and the best ways to handle your situation. Then create a tentative plan of action.
- Network with others and any local professional association members who might know of job openings
- Never pay an agency for a job because they have companies willing to pay a fee for the right person
- Check the online job posting sites for openings in your field
- Be proactive and make calls to potential employers to find out if they ever need a temp
- Make sure to visit the websites of companies for which you want to work
- When visiting small business websites that have “chat with us” pop-up windows, you might ask them about temp work and actually land some work
- Always consider doing temp work, because you’ll get to see if a company is right for you. If it is the right fit, they may offer you a permanent job. If you feel it is not a good long-term fit, you can remain on their temp list or move on and try temp assignments with other businesses.
- Consider whether you could stay busy enough doing temp work or whether you actually need to have a permanent job.
You Can Do This
Over the years of coaching people who have been rebuilding their lives, I’ve observed that when someone has already had a number of traumatic events in life, a job loss can pack a significant punch. To help get through a challenge like this, make sure you have positive friends in your life and that you stay away from negative acquaintances whenever possible. Connect with people who can encourage you and maybe even help in your job search as you look for new work. Make sure you get plenty of rest and exercise or at least get out for a walk every day. Walking can be very therapeutic. While walking, think of all the blessings in your life and thank God for them. Also, consider volunteering your time in nursing homes, or to help the homeless, or to serve others who are less fortunate than yourself. These are great ways to stay positive. There is another job out there for you. Maybe you’ll think of a way to use your skills that you have not considered before. Be creative, stay open to the possibility of using your skills in new ways, and never give up. You can do this!
I would love to know how you’ve handled job losses and what has worked best for you. Thanks in advance for leaving a comment below!
Colleen
Great article Colleen. Unexpected job loss can be a devastating matter. Lots of people think and treat their job like a death once it is gone and it is great to know that their are people like you out there who can show them the way!
Keep up the great work.
Sincerely yours,
Darcy
Thank you, Darcy! It’s always good to have a Plan B available. But, sometimes in the thick of the drama people need a little guidance to see that they “can” make their way successfully through the long, dark tunnel. Glad you stopped by my site and shared your thoughts. 🙂 Colleen
Coleen, you just took me back in time, when in 2002 I was made redundant. Funny you mention that everybody at some point or other has lost a job for different reasons. I would say this is more typical of current middle aged people, such as myself, or younger ones. If you take my parents for instance, not only they have never lost their job, but they are of that generation when you stayed in the same job with the same employer for the entire of your working life. When I told them about my redundancy, they thought I had brought it upon myself by making some mistake or by making myself unsavoury.
Redundancy is a horrible beast, as not only falls upon you suddenly, but for not apparent good reason at all. Your advice is more so helpful for all those people who, like me at the time, had to start all over again. Redundancy happened to me at the worst possible time, when my son was still a baby and I was on my own. Yet, I would like to say that, no matter what, do not stop believing in yourself and be creative with rebuilding your career. Your advice, I am sure, will help many people who loose their job at some point of their life, as I know it would have helped me all those years ago. Thank you 🙂
Hi Guilia…that’s true what you said how our parent’s generation kept the same jobs forever. Now I’m seeing older workers bumped out of jobs that they still do well, only to be replaced by someone younger and less experienced, and who employers can pay less. It is so unfortunate to have a job loss. Can’t think of any job loss that ever comes at a good time either! Job losses make us dig deep within and move forward. Yes, we must keep believing in who we are and be creative with our career options. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
I had this happen at the worst possible time. 2008, I had been in my new house for 3 yrs and then outta the blue I get cut from my employers roster. To say I was stressed out was an understatement. I managed, however, to claw my way back by investing in myself. I spent a little money and time acquiring new skills and brushing up on old ones. and after about a year or so I was gainfully employed again. So even if plan B doesn’t work maybe an alphabet laden play book may be in order. Keep your head up and always move forward. The lose of a job is not the end of the world, merely the beginning of a new chapter in this story of life.
Ouch, that’s no fun, Corey! Yes, job losses can be very stressful. Sounds like you did what you needed to do to reinvent yourself and move forward. Way to go! Determination and resilience are important. Yes, like you, I believe that a job loss can even be a good thing, b/c it triggers a new beginning in our lives. Thank you for stopping by my site and for sharing your experiences and thoughts. 🙂
Luckily, I’ve never lost a job “knocking on wood”. I know it would stress me out though. Being single with no other income would be devastating. I appreciate your advice and tips in case it ever happens for me.
So glad that’s never happened to you! Now you have some tips to share in case you know someone who is in that situation. It can be very stressful because it’s unpredictable as to how soon another job will be found. That can mean sleepless nights and a lack of regular income for those without work. Click here to read about how to keep your immune system strong while job searching. I sure hope that you never experience a job loss, Tammy. Thank you for visiting my site and taking time to leave a comment!
Losing a job is never a good thing. It leaves us a feeling of uncertainty and it can be very stressful. The good news is you have another paycheck or two coming in because they are typically a couple weeks behind. However, I would focus on finding a new job 6-8 hours a day until you get one.
However, it can be a blessing. You might end up getting a higher paying job. A job that you like better than your previous one. You might meet your soulmate or some new friends at your new job. I wouldn’t fall into the trap of over-analyzing the loss of job, though.
I remember when I was younger about 22 or 23 I lost a job while in college for no reason. The manager just cut me out of the loop with no explanation at all. He just kept telling me he would let me know when he needed me. After two weeks of that I came to the conclusion that I didn’t have a job anymore. Really, left a bad taste in my mouth. But, within a month I had a better job and ended up staying there for 3 years.
So true, Garen! You make a lot of good points. Sometimes losing a job can move us forward in new directions, bring new friends, experiences, better pay, and much more. I agree that it’s best not to over-analyze a job loss. Hit pause and catch your breath. Live and learn from the experience, then move forward to find better work or to start a business. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts! 🙂