Daily Archives: December 1, 2008

Three Tips to Survive a Job Loss

Losing a job can be tough, but you’re not alone. In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves without work. And, with the holiday season upon us, being without a job is even more stressful.

According to expert psychologists, losing a job can be as traumatic as losing a loved one. People often associate themselves with their job. If your job defines you and you’re without a job, you’re without an identity. So, it’s no wonder people become depressed after a job loss. But, there’s hope. Check out these three tips to cope with the loss of a job.

Move Forward. Instead of dwelling on your old job, look ahead to the chance of finding a new job. This can be exciting with the right outlook. Think about it as a chance to move your career in a new direction. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, pick yourself up and dust off your résumé. Take this opportunity to reinvent yourself

Create a Budget. One of the biggest stressors of not having a job is not having a steady income to pay the bills. But, this doesn’t have to get you down. There are things you can do to prepare yourself. Cut back on unnecessary spending, create a budget, and make a list of ways you can generate income until you’re employed full-time again.   

Be Calm. This is easier said than done, but experts say that being impatient leads to unnecessary stress which can lead to an even longer unemployment period. So, relax, and don’t get worked up if you don’t find a job right away. Try working a temporary or part-time position as you search for a new job. On average, it takes people months to find a job that closely resembles the one they had, according to experts. Commit to sending off your résumé to a prospective employer once a day – no matter how long it takes to find a job.

Losing a job can be rough, not only on you but your family as well. But, by keeping a positive attitude and being diligent to find a new position, you can move on.