There are very few people by now who have not been affected directly or indirectly by the turbulent changes in employment in the past year. Jobs are being eliminated, consolidated, restructured, or redefined. To know people who have lost their job more than once in the last five years is no longer uncommon. How can you start to control your own destiny?
There are many reactions to job loss…shock, dismay, fear, rage, relief, shame, numbness, anger, disbelief and denial. You may experience any or a combination of these feelings, either sequentially or simultaneously. This is a time of confusion which needs to be sorted out so that you can move on with your life.
Your best course toward a healthy employment recovery is to decide to be a survivor, not a victim. Remember, success is the best revenge. What if this horrible event turns out to be the proverbial “blessing in disguise?” Many who have successfully recovered from their job loss have admitted some time after the fact that this was just the “kick in the pants” that they needed.
Yes, this is scary. But many don’t acknowledge, while employed, the inside feeling that the job was perhaps not the best use of their natural and acquired talents. Oftentimes we know, in our heart of hearts, that we were not happy in this job, or this company…that we have outgrown the position or become stagnant. Frequently, the anger emerges not just from losing the job, but from not being the party who initiated the end of the employment relationship.
Despite the negative feelings you may have about being let go, there is no value in letting your resentment linger. Let’s move on! Take control of your situation, and make a commitment to succeed. Decide that you will not allow yourself to wallow in self pity. Get out of a blaming mode and turn to positive action.
Look at this time as an opportunity for positive change in your life. Re-examine yourself, your situation, and your future goals. Think back to where you were, fifteen years ago. Where did you want to be in your life by now? What did you dream of and hope you would accomplish? Is where you are today a reflection of those goals and desires? If not, this in an opportunity to get back on course.
Re-examine your most recent career experiences. What could you or would you have done differently? Don’t use this exercise to beat yourself up. Take an objective look at ways you might have…impoved your technical or interpersonal skills….been more organized in your work…initiated efforts above and beyond your job description…taken the risk to bid on a promotion…etc.
Sit down in a quiet setting and make a list of your assets, liabilities, and aspects you would have done differently. Remember, some influences of your circumstance were beyond your control. Set them aside. Focus on your best skills, attitude, motivation, and contributions. Give yourself credit for the things you did well. Be honest with yourself about what you could have done better.
If your career so far has evolved by circumstance and not by your design, this is the time to regain control. You can successfully move on from here toward the rewarding work you want to do, or the career you have always wanted.
Don’t wait until your severance or unemployment benefits are about to run out. Start planning now. Set your goals. Identify your resources. Turn your negative energy into positive motivation and action. You have two choices today: Blame others for your situation and discontent, or take control of your career to make it the best it can be. It’s up to you.
