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Writer's pictureKerrie Smit

Coping with Change After Job Loss

Losing a job can be a tough blow for anyone, especially for professionals who have dedicated time and effort to build their careers. The abrupt change can bring about a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties, but with the right strategies and mindset, navigating through this challenging phase can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. In this guide, we delve into effective ways to cope with change after a job loss, focusing on skills, professional development, and change management techniques.


Acknowledge Your Feelings

Two women are discussing careers

The first step in coping with a job loss is to acknowledge your feelings. It's normal to experience a range of emotions, including shock, anger, and even relief. Take the time to grieve the loss of your job and allow yourself to process the emotions that come with it. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or career coach can help you sort through these feelings and gain a sense of clarity.


While it might feel natural to talk to ex-colleagues from work, think about whether this is the right strategy for you. Talking to ex-colleagues might provide temporary relief, but it may also cause more difficult emotions to arise like resentment, or the desire to hold on to what is no longer possible.


Assess Your Skills and Strengths


After processing your emotions, it's time to assess your skills and strengths. Reflect on your past experiences and achievements in your career. Identify the transferable skills that you've developed over the years and consider how they can be applied to new opportunities. Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile with your latest accomplishments can also boost your confidence and attract potential employers.


A great practical tip is to create a spreadsheet or table with the desirable job attributes of the your next role along the top, and below them compile a list of all the examples in which you demonstrated these attributes or skills.


Embrace Professional Development Opportunities


One way to cope with a job loss is to invest in professional development. Consider taking online courses, working with a coach, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications to enhance your skills and stay competitive in the job market. Networking events and industry conferences are also great opportunities to connect with professionals in your field and explore new career paths.


Learning something new is a great way to acknowledge that a new you is about to emerge from the past.


Top Tips for Taking Each Day as it Comes


Losing a job can leave you wondering what to do with your day. The hours you previously spent at work may open up to you as an opportunity to rest, or they may feel stressful as you face the absence of your formerly structured work day. Losing this structure can feel like a loss of purpose, and may involve a grieving process for some people. When we're grieving, it can sometimes be necessary to just get through one day at a time. Here's a few tips to help put one foot in front of the other.


Create a Routine, Including Time for Self-Care


Maintaining a routine can provide a sense of stability during a period of change. For the next short period until you find your new role, you will be your own boss. Set up a routine that works for you. Set daily goals, such as updating your job search efforts, networking with contacts, or learning a new skill. Establishing a routine can help you stay focussed and productive while navigating through the ups and downs of job search. Including small pleasures in your daily routine can be very good for the soul during times of sadness. Activities like walking the dog, buying your favourite coffee, or taking time to workout can be beneficial to motivation and help to add structure to your day.


During times of transition, it's essential to prioritise self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help you stay resilient and positive as you work through the challenges of job loss and the subsequent job search or other life adjustments that follow.


Seek Support


Don't hesitate to reach out for support during this challenging time. Connect with other professionals who have experienced job loss and share your journey. Joining a course or seeking guidance from a coach or career counsellor can provide valuable insights and encouragement as you navigate through the process of change.


Finding a way to keep feelings about your job loss quarantined from conversations about job search can be a helpful strategy. Counsellors or coaches can bridge both conversations with you. However, going deeply into negative feelings about job loss in a job interview or networking situation is not advisable. Instead of discussing details about past disappointments, try to show potential employers and colleagues how you're taking steps to remain positive and seek the next opportunity in your career.


Embrace Change


In this situation, the change has happened to you against your will. However learning to accept and embrace it can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. If you ask around your circle of friends and colleagues, you'll struggle to find anyone that hasn't benefited after redundancy or forced job loss. Many use this period of transition to reflect on their career goals and values. Consider if there are areas of professional development you want to explore or if it's time to pivot to a new career path. Embracing change with an open mind can lead to unexpected possibilities and a brighter future than you initially expected.


Coping with Change After a Job Loss


Coping with change after a job loss requires resilience, self-reflection, and a proactive mindset. By acknowledging your feelings, assessing your skills, embracing professional development opportunities, and getting through each day as it comes, you can navigate through this challenging phase and emerge stronger than before. A job loss is not the end of your career but a new start filled with possibilities for growth and success.


Agencia Change has a number of ways we can help people who are coping with change after a job loss. Take a look at our free resources, or book in a free discussion to find out how we can help using the button below.



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