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Job Loss 101: It’s Time to Move On

ICC September 11, 2017 0 Comments

By: Clark Jenkins

 

Losing a job can be debilitating, sometimes to the extent that you may feel like curling up into the fetal position and shutting yourself off from the outside world. But, the good news is that we – at ICC – know that you will more than likely find yourself on the “greener” side of the lawn when it comes down to it. The most crucial step is that you decide to move on, simply because you were made to do great things. While there are many aspects of your life that can be affected by losing a job, below are four primary areas of concern to address if you’ve recently experienced a job loss and how to move forward, creating the life and career you deserve.

 

FAMILY

You learned that you have just lost your job and now you must turn to your spouse/partner and let them know. At such a difficult and vulnerable time in your life, be transparent with your spouse. Don’t sugarcoat or tiptoe around the reason or reasons why you may have been let go, take this opportunity to confide in your partner, because having support at a time like this is crucial in accepting the situation and moving on. When the conversation comes up with friends and others outside of your immediate partner, stick to the business reason of why it did not work out. You’ll likely be upset at your former employer and be inclined to lash out, but if you’re able to turn that energy into gratitude, you’ll be on your way to a happier new you.

 

WORK FAMILY

We all have a sense of self identity with our careers, so losing a job regardless of circumstance can be a challenge in itself. In most instances, we see our co-workers more than we do our own families. There are life-long relationships that come to an abrupt end with a job loss.  Allow yourself the time to reach out to your colleagues and let them know how much you will miss not being able to see them every day. This might also be a good time to segway into the topic of opening a new door, and networking, with your previous coworker. Be certain to ask them what you can do for them as well, perhaps a LinkedIn recommendation.

 

FINANCES

Be certain to know where you stand financially. This will help you understand how long you can afford to be in a job search and still have the ability to pay your mortgage, car payments credit cards and so forth. Upon your exit, meet with or find a trusted financial planner and determine what is best for your family. You’ll need to address questions regarding your 401K and other savings accounts. Address your health coverage stop date and engage with COBRA if needed.

 

EMBRACE THE DISCOMFORT

Discomfort forces us to change, stretch, and adapt. Bill Eckstrom, in a recent podcast, nails it when he states “What makes you comfortable can ruin you. Only in a state of discomfort can you continually grow.” If you have been living a mediocre life and want to break free to achieve levels of success and happiness that you have been seeking, then you must get uncomfortable. It all starts by stepping outside what is easy and embracing discomfort.

 

PLAN & GO!

The toughest job you’ll ever have is searching for a new job. Make a plan and stick to it. Block off time on your calendar to help keep you on task. You’ll need to make time to network, job-search, write cover letters, send thank you notes, interview, and keep yourself healthy.  Please read a previous ICC blog Staying Organized During a Job Search for a more in-depth look at structuring your plan.

 

Resources:

 

Eckstron, Bill. “Why Comfort Will Ruin Your Life.” Knowledge For Men, 29 Mar. 2017, www.knowledgeformen.com/podcast-bill-eckstrom/. Accessed 8 Sept. 2017.

 

 

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