It finally happened to me. I lost my job. After 10 years as an attorney I found myself now unemployed. How do you get through the shock?
Thanks,
Outofit
Dear Outofit,
Yes, it's happening all around. And, you've done well to identify what you are feeling - shock. The first sensation can be overwhelming and it can really throw you off your game. Here's a few tips to work through the not working right now blues.
- One, give yourself a little time off. If you can afford 3 or 30 days without having to think about your work life, take the time.
- Two, what else is going on in your life. Take some time to enjoy the other roles you play in your life. Father, brother, son, friend. Treat these as a job for a brief time. It will reward you more than you know.
- Take the vacation you've been putting off. If you have a little cushion, get a way for a few days with someone special or just yourself. Have breakfast in bed. Party until dawn. Do a few of the things you can't do when you have a job.
- Use your calendar! Mark the date that you will begin the process of looking for a job. Don't overshoot it. Don't worry about it either. Just let it be a fact of life.
- When you begin to look for a job, network, network, network. Grab some free business cards at Vistaprint.com and get your name and number so it's easy to give out at a moment's notice.
- Join associations you may not have bothered with in the past and see if new doors open.
You're already on your way to winning the battle of depression of being out of work. You realize shock is going to be a part of it. After that, you will have to grieve, etc. Again, but these off until the date of the calendar says back to work. You need a mental break between now and then. Be good to yourself. Whether it is one day or thirty, just be there for yourself and give yourself a little selfish time.
Blessings and good luck,
Dr. Reece
Dr. Reece Manley, DD, M.Ed.,MPM is America's favorite online professional pastoral counselor can be reached at http://www.talk1.net.
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