Millions of people all over the globe lost their jobs and sources of income as one of the results of the COVID-19 pandemic. First and foremost, if you lost your job or finding one became harder when the pandemic hit, you should refrain from blaming yourself. However, it is true that it can be difficult to keep a bright perspective when you’re faced with piling bills and having trouble putting food on the table.
Getting laid off, not having your contract renewed, being forced to retire early, or not getting hired is one of the stressful experiences one can go through. Aside from the financial challenges it comes with, the overall stress may eventually take a huge toll on your emotional and psychological health. Ultimately, it can also affect your relationships with family and friends.
A job is more than just a source of income. It is also a part of your identity and it gives you a sense of purpose. Often, it also gives your life structure as it takes a huge part in your daily routine. Suddenly losing your job can disrupt your life and eventually make you feel sad and angry.
The stress and anxiety associated with job loss can be overwhelming. However, you should remember that there is hope. Here are some tips to cope with unemployment or job loss.
- Give yourself time to grieve.
When you lose something as important as your job, it is natural to feel grief. After all, you do not just lose income when you lose your job. You may also feel as if you lost control of your life and professional identity. You may also feel as if your future’s security is snatched from you.
Different people grieve differently. So, it’s important that you get your grieving habits in check. It can be easy to turn to bad habits such as drinking too much. As much as possible, refrain from such an unhealthy escape.
Grieving doesn’t necessarily mean crying or sulking in a corner with a beer in your hand. Grieving is about accepting reality. You can try writing down your thoughts and feelings. Talking to a close friend or loved one can also help, leading us to tip number 2.
- Talk to someone.
Losing a job can easily make you feel ashamed and inadequate. As a result, you might withdraw yourself from people you care about and who care for you out of embarrassment. It’s also possible that you don’t want to talk about your problem as doing so may just amplify what you’re feeling. However, don’t underestimate the power of simply talking to someone about your troubles. Social contact can actually help reduce stress. What’s more, you might also get good advice from the person you talk to. Who knows, they might even have job opportunities to recommend.
- Look for other ways to define your personality.
One of the hardest parts of losing a job is that it makes you feel like you lost your source of purpose and joy. To combat this, you should look for other ways to define yourself. Do you have a hobby that’s not related to your job? Maybe now is the time to focus on that. For example, if you lost your office job but you have an inclination for cooking or baking, why not try making treats for giving away or selling?
Alternatively, even if your hobby is directly related to your job, you can still use it to your advantage. For instance, if you’re a graphic artist, you can check out freelance and part-time opportunities.
Furthermore, you can also pick a new hobby. There are many free online courses and webinars out there that can help you learn new things that may be lucrative in time.
- Get moving.
Exercising is an effective way to keep your mind off of your worries. Instead of sleeping, binge-watching, or drinking all day to forget your troubles, try taking a walk, doing some stretching, or dancing. Start with a few minutes until you develop an exercising a habit.
- Take care of yourself.
While you’re currently out of job, take this as a chance to take care of yourself and form healthy habits. Sleep well. Discover and try out relaxation techniques. Listen to calming music and watch motivational talks.
Losing your source of income is indeed stressful. However, you shouldn’t let it defeat you. It’s okay to grieve, but give yourself a limit. Accept the reality, and then make it your mission to work toward self-improvement.