Recommendations for Surviving Job Loss

Take time to accept and adjust to your situation

Experience has shown that individuals who have lost their job are usually in a state of crisis and, as in other crisis situations; time is needed to grieve the loss and readjust. Expect that it will take some time to accept and adjust to your situation. Grief takes time. Acceptance of the situation comes through grieving your loss so that you can make positive life changes. 

Focus on strengths and abilities rather than shortcomings or disabilities

Too often, people who are faced with job loss tend to think in negative terms about their own experience and talents. Individuals tend to underestimate their own abilities. Take the time to focus on your strengths and achievements. Set new goals for yourself. Believe in yourself. Be a survivor rather than a victim.

Seek out the support and compassion of a good listener

Avoid people who are negative and critical in their attitudes and focus on blaming others. These people may be easy to find but should be avoided. Try not to take the layoff personally. Blaming others is a waste of your valuable time. Instead, you are encouraged to find people that can help you work at positive resolutions. You may consider talking to someone who has successfully survived a layoff or talk to your EAP Consultant or other professionals who will be empathic but will encourage you to be positive and optimistic.

Ask for support from your family and friends

Acknowledge your fears, disappointments and other feelings. You may not feel like talking about your feelings about your job loss but this is the time to talk. If you have children, talk to them about what has happened and share with them your plans. Ask for their involvement and input regarding changes that may need to be made within the family during this transition. This could be an opportunity for you and your family to draw closer together. Get your support network active, even though that may be the last thing you feel like doing. Talk to friends and allow them to be a support to you.

Make a broad personal inventory of your skills and their related application

Many people have training and experience in a variety of endeavors. Take an inventory of your strengths and skills. You may decide to go into a different line of work. Believe in yourself and your positive attitude will help you to achieve new goals that you set for yourself.

Make a plan of action and follow it step by step

You need to structure your day to include steps for assessing your situation and going about the business of locating new employment. Your plan might include contacting a numbers of employers per day, writing letters, making phone calls, getting rest and exercise or whatever combination of efforts seems suitable for your situation. The most important thing is that you make constructive use of your time. Your job is now to find a job.

Use your "other time" positively and constructively

After you have completed your eight hours of job searching for the day, it is important to keep up your usual recreational activities and leisure pursuits. If you cannot afford to do so, seek other activities you can afford. Maintaining regular activities is very important for you and for your family. Take care of yourself with proper diet, exercise and rest. Keep busy constructively.

Prepared by the NC Office of State Human Resources 
Materials utilized from the National Employee Assistance Services, Inc. and the EAPA Exchange