How to make the most of losing your job

In last week's column I discussed some of the emotions and changes that often occur in the grief and loss experience of losing one's job. At this time I would like to discuss some specific ways of dealing with anticipated or actual job loss.

If you think that your job is at risk, then consider preparation for this potential change.

• There is an old saying that goes something like this – hope for the best and plan for the worst. Many economists feel that a current economic dilemma is, in part, due to the fact that consumers are not spending or borrowing and are instead reevaluating the excesses of the 1980's. Some seem to argue that if people would spend and borrow there would be more jobs but for someone who has lost their job or fears loosing it, this advice seems counter productive. For an individual who has lost their job or faces losing it, separating needs from wants becomes paramount in terms of importance in priority. Reevaluation and perhaps retrenchment often becomes necessary and helpful at this point.

• Prepare or update your resume. Be able to present yourself as well on paper as in person.

• Sit down with your family and discuss the future with them. Help them see that this is going to be a team effort and you need their support. Avoid presenting the situation as bleak, helpless or entirely without potential positive outcomes. Let them know that perhaps starting over in a different job is, in the long run, to everyone's benefit. Present it as a challenge rather than or a threat. Begin networking with friends, relatives and anyone who might know of job opportunities that you could pursue. If possible start early rather than waiting until you receive your pink slip. Make others know of your flexibility and willingness to consider many different alternatives.

• Avoid becoming "root bound." Are your job skills transportable to a new location?

• Don't be trapped into believing that you and your job are "one." You have self-worth outside of your job. Family, friends, and other areas of your life to which you contribute have much greater meaning that your job in the long run.

• "Brainstorm" your potential and future with anyone who will listen to you. Friends, ministers, relatives and others.

• Avoid becoming too inpatient. Rushing the process too much may necessitate back tracking later. However, don't procrastinate and expect everyone else to make things work out for you.

• Practice stress management techniques, such as exercise and relaxation.

• Don't be too proud to consider temporary support. Such as unemployment benefits, help from relatives and friends. Consider the financial contribution that other members of your family can make by working.

• Consider changing careers all together. Perhaps retraining a technical skill or job completely unrelated to the one that you are losing should be considered. This might be an opportunity to make some very positive long term career changes which will result in a much firmer and more satisfying employment situation.

• Avoid alcohol and unprescribed drugs as escape mechanisms.

Above all, decide that discouragement is a luxury that you cannot afford. Start early and get out head of the pack. Your future may end up being much more rewarding than your past.

Copyright c 1992 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.