How to Deal with Stressful Change of a Job Loss

The one thing that’s constant in life is change. Some changes are great. In fact, you may have been wishing and wanting them to occur for a long time.   It’s inevitable that there are going to be changes throughout life. Some changes, however, are harder to adjust to and when this type of change comes, it can be very stressful for you and your loved ones.

Let’s discuss one of life’s difficult change and find out how best you can overcome the situation

Stressful Change: Losing Your Job.

During these hard times, millions of people are fearful of losing their jobs. In the event this occurs to you, what should you do? Stare in the change in the face and move on.

When faced with job loss you only have two choices really: mope around and feel sorry for yourself or accept it and plan your next steps. It’s of course best to do the latter if you don’t want this event to be truly stressful.

The best way to greet losing your job is to view it as an opportunity. Finally, you can do what you’ve always wanted to do. You’ve been given a second chance so go and grab it!

Following are some tips on what to do.

• Ask yourself what interests you and what would truly make you happy everyday.
• Once you figure out your ‘calling’, take steps to bring it into your life. For example, if you love to cook and want to start a baking business at home, then enroll yourself in a baking class. Upgrade your skills so that when you venture into this business, you increase your chances of being successful.
• If you opt for setting up your own business, keep in mind that starting it is as important as planning it. Don’t wait for things to be ‘perfect’ before you open your business. That’s just procrastination talking.
• Whether you set up your own business or not, it may be necessary to invest in yourself first to increase your skill level. So take classes, join clubs, do what you can to improve yourself.

How you choose to handle a situation will determine how much stress you’re going to allow.  Think of any CHANGE as just another OPPORTUNITY. The choice is yours. The change has already happened; either way, you have to deal with it so why not deal with it in the most positive way possible? But the sooner you begin to look at life changes as new opportunities, the sooner you’ll enjoy a less-stressed life!

Job Loss Survival Skills

Losing a job is so stressful that it can make anyone do things that are counterproductive.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  So first let’s talk about what not to do when facing a job loss crisis.

1. Borrow money from anyone and create more debt for yourself unless your facing a dire emergency.
2. Cancel your medical insurance because you “can’t afford” to pay for it. If you have just one illness requiring hospitalization or surgery it could literally wipe you and your family out permanently. An emergency room visit could cost you hundreds of dollars. 
3. Not let friends and family know that you’re looking for work and you’d appreciate their help. You never know when they see something in the paper that you didn’t notice or someone says something that they wouldn’t connect to your needing work unless you ask them to keep their eyes and ears open.
4. Neglect to  inform your creditors. Most will work with you. After all it’s far better for both of you to work together then to let everything go until it all comes crashing down around you.

It’s so important to be proactive.  There are some things you can do that will make a huge difference in your life.  Now Let’s look at some of your options:

Reduce monthly expenses. Take a serious look at some of the things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet. Go through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren’t necessities. Be honest with yourself – just because you think you can’t live without your cable or cell phone, doesn’t mean it’s true. Some of the first places to look include: 

• Get rid of cable
• Phones – both cell and land line
• Cell texting or other data communications
• Make one trip a day instead of several
• Don’t Eat Out. Instead cook at home
• Turn off your air conditioner

With a little communication, research, and creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or start a new venture with skills and passions you already have. Have some fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to make ends meet.   These tough financial times don’t have to be devastating. Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available to you to reduce the negative impact on your life. You may even look back on this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new career!

Stress Management – What To Do When You Lose Of Your Job

A job loss is extremely stressful at anytime.  But today considering the economy and the current job market ,one of the most challenging personal crises an individual may have to face is coping with job loss. Unemployment, divorce and the death of a loved one are considered to be the most stressful events that can happen during a person’s lifetime.

The loss of personal identity associated with the job can be more devastating than the loss of income. There are problems to be dealt with, questions to be answered and decisions to be made. You must recognize this and admit that there is likely to be a major change in your life. The threat to your personal and family security is the biggest change.

Fears Associated with Transitioning

• What will I do with myself?
• What will others think of me if I fail?
• How am I going to define myself?
• Will I/we survive financially?
• Will I be able to get the perfect job for me?

Ask Yourself the Following

• What actually happened to cause me to lose my job?
• How did I receive news of the lay off?
• How did I react to the news?
• How long was I in that particular job?
• What was my relationship with my boss, my subordinates and my colleagues?

Coping With Stress
While you may not be able to prevent a job loss, you may be able to use some of the following coping strategies to make the loss easier to handle.

Give yourself time:
Allow yourself appropriate time to adjust to the new realities.

Embrace change:
Embrace the quote by Louis Pasteur, “Change favors the prepared mind.” Remind yourself that change can mean growth and that rigidity is counterproductive. Develop the ability to be flexible.

Pursue support from others:
You cannot do everything alone. Your family and loved ones can help provide the moral and emotional support that is needed.

• Talk with family and friends.
• Involve your family in the decision making process.

Live in the present:
People can carry a huge burden called guilt and anger about experiences. This will rob you of energy and create more stress.

Treat yourself right!
Exercise. Eat a balanced diet. Get plenty of sleep. Read a good book. Go to the movies. Find fun and interesting things to do that don’t cost much.

Know your limitations:
You cannot change others or circumstances, only yourself. Re-evaluate your direction:

Figure out your next steps:
Make a job search plan. Use multiple resources.

Implement your plan:
This is your new job until you have a new position you want. Being actively engaged in your job search will bring you nearer your goals and will go a long way toward alleviating stress.

Seek professional help:
If the stress becomes overwhelming and you are unable to function in a fairly normal way, seek help from your family doctor, clergy, a psychologist or social worker, or a hospital or community mental health center.

You’ll find you have a tremendous responsibility as you decide on your next career, determine your financial requirements, select health and life insurance plans, sort out your benefits and take steps to secure your future goals. It may take some time, however, if you target desired outcomes, plan accordingly and work diligently, you’ll, eventually, achieve your goals. Fortunately, you’re not alone.