Dealing With Job Loss:

When you get a pink slip (meaning "Your fired"), you can feel all different kinds of emotion. Such as:

*Lower self esteem
*Drains bank account looking for another job
*Shock, anger - Asking yourself ..... Why me?
*Self pity
*Sense of blame
* Confusion
*Negative feelings
*Isolation - disconnect from people
*No purpose to keep on track
*Depression / anxiety
* Not taking care of one self

You need to move through your feelings. Even negative ones. Lean on family members and friends for support. Everyone looses a job one time or another. It may not even be to no fault of your own.

Go to work shops to brush up on your skills, meet with other people to do a job search, or volunteer for an organization. Open yourself up to seek other opportunities.

Ask yourself :

* What type of job do I want?
*What skills do I have?
*What skills do I need to learn?
* What will it take to obtain my goal?
*Why would someone hire me?
*What are your three best working traits?
*Are those traits important to the employer?

Make sure you contact anyone you owe money to let them know you are having a hard time. Many times people will work with you. You maybe to get a payment lower or refinanced til you get back on your feet.

Start making a budget to live within your means. Make a list of what to do. Then stick with it. get up every day at the normal time you would get up for work. Start doing a job search. Even do research at the local library.

Have you ever had to deal with a job loss? If so, how did you feel? Was it easy for you to get another job?

Comments: 18

Kevin E. Apr 21, 2012, 8:01pm UTC

You wrote an extremely valuable well written post that everyone should read. It would benefit even those of us who are still working. No job is 100% secure. it is always good to be prepared. Very well written!

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 21, 2012, 8:29pm UTC

Thank you for the great review! That is my intent with the group and my articles. To help other benefit in this crazy economy with a wacky job market. I will also have articles about in the work place as well.

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William M. Apr 21, 2012, 8:21pm UTC

Very good advice.

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 21, 2012, 8:30pm UTC

Thank you. I am hoping it will help.

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Mary M. Apr 21, 2012, 8:41pm UTC

Yes, good advice. I was once let go from a job 3 days before my 1-year anniversary, which would have allowed my benefits to kick in. (No, nothing shady there. I was so frustrated!) The job I got after that lasted almost 7 years, but then my boss, a physician, passed away suddenly and the practice was closed down. I chose to go back to school and have just 2 more semesters until I get my Associates degree! I'm hoping to continue training and continue working in the medical field.

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 21, 2012, 8:47pm UTC

Thank you Mary.

It sounds like you are on the right track. Going to school will help you update your skills. Good luck to you. I am sure you will do well.

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Visionaerie B. Apr 21, 2012, 10:40pm UTC

But the best goal would be to be your own boss -- otherwise you will just have to deal with more of the same kinds of vultures! And let's face it, our society or economy is very much geared to the corporations now -- so they become like tentacles of the state, squeezing us into submission. I say take the skills you have an parlay them into your own business -- so you can serve people directly instead of in a half-hearted way. For example, Switzerland has had a vibrant economy in part because the citizens develop diverse skills. If one skill set is less profitable, they can switch to another one. And they know about the principle of deferred gratification. It's very much preferable to our instant gratification, overstimulated society. Thanks for posting this and hope it's a launching pad to something even bigger!

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 21, 2012, 10:45pm UTC

Thank you very much. It would be great for every one to be their own boss. If it worked that way. I do believe in having diverse skills. I have had them all along myself and never knew it til I worked at the job center. I learned what my skills were and went from there.I do believe in updating your skills as well. As in some cases skills are always changing or adding to for different jobs.

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Rebecca P. Apr 22, 2012, 6:32am UTC

This is well written. In this economy, job loss is occuring more and more. Its ok to have some grieving time, but you have to stand back up and get going again. I think the two most important things are to begin building yourself as a better job candidate and use your connections. Talk to people, go out with friends, start volunteering somewhere new, go to a workshop etc.

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 23, 2012, 11:02am UTC

Thank you. Your right about using your connections and building your self up for as a better candidate. are very important. I have an article about connections and such as well. I have tons I created when i worked at the Job Center. I can't wait to start sharing more.

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Saturina Sorenson Apr 22, 2012, 8:32am UTC

excellent advice. i've been laid off 3 times, each time because the branch closed where i worked. the first 2 times, i was able to find a new job. but the 3rd time i had to go on unemployment. i was very thankful for it.

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 23, 2012, 11:03am UTC

Unemployment is a very great resource to fall back on til you get a new job. It's great unless you can't work, Like when I was shot. I didn't get unemployment because I was not able to work.Crazy!!

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Pamela Marks Apr 22, 2012, 12:03pm UTC

I know we don't like the feeling of never knowing when a layoff might happen one minute they say none and the next they say any day

Mzzz Sweets - Sandy (Why do I have to add a last name?) Apr 23, 2012, 11:04am UTC

Yes, those are crazy to work to for. But in this economy unless you have a job that you know is protected from lay off. You can never be to sure. That feeling sucks.