Losing a job can leave you feeling extremely helpless but finding ways to cope can help you deal with the grief and get you back on track. Experiencing a range of negative emotions following termination is normal. Getting through this tough time and coming out stronger and ready to continue on your journey should be too.
It may take time to accept what has happened when you’ve lost your job. The important thing to remember is not to focus on the past and what you could’ve done to change the outcome. Although it may not seem like it, this is just a temporary setback. Now it’s time to focus on what’s ahead of you. First and foremost, you should take care of the important stuff such as figuring out how to preserve your finances and considering any big life changes. Have you been wanting to switch career fields? Or maybe you’ve been dreaming about relocating. Now is the time to really think it through, because you no longer have to think about a job position holding you back!
In between jobs, you may be tempted to fall into a rut of despair and depression, but now is the perfect time to focus on your needs and self-care. Facing others may seem daunting and leave you feeling ashamed, and you may want to push people away, but the key to succeeding is having a good support system. Take some of your extra time and fill your days with meaningful activities, such as going for walks, spending time with positive people, picking up a new hobby, volunteering, going to the gym. You may also want to work on some skills to help you land a future job, continue working on yourself. Consider taking some of your extra time to work on/declutter your home. You might be able to make a little extra money by selling the things you no longer need. Along with some additional money, a clean home equals a clean mind.
Lastly, keep working to find a new job every day. Although you may feel like your efforts are fruitless, continuing each day will help you in the long run. It will make this transitional period much shorter and more tolerable. Combining a continuous effort to pick yourself back up with all the tips here, your time away from your career shouldn’t feel hopeless. Remember that this situation doesn’t define your life and to take the time to focus on yourself.