Recently, our small town had a company suddenly close its doors which left hundreds of employees jobless. Losing a job can be incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing. It's a situation that many people face at some point in their lives, and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. However, it's important to remember that job loss does not define your worth or your future. I hope to provide you with practical strategies and guidance to help you overcome this challenging season and come out stronger on the other side.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

   The first step in dealing with anxiety and job loss is to acknowledge your emotions. Losing a job can trigger a wide range of feelings, including sadness, anger, frustration, and fear. It's crucial to allow yourself to feel these emotions rather than suppress them. Journaling and talking to a trusted friend or family member can help you process your feelings and get clarity. No matter what, you are worth more than any job out there.

2. Create a Financial Plan

   Finances are often a big source of anxiety after losing a job and rightfully so. What you once knew and could count on, is now gone. I encourage you to sit down, create a detailed budget of your essential expenses and pick out which areas you can cut back on temporarily. Did you see the word, “temporarily?” That’s because this situation is temporary. How temporary it is depends on other things, but at the end of the day, you will find work again. Also, maybe you don’t need the extra Hulu streaming services? Or the upgraded internet package? Some of these privileges can wait until your income is flowing in again. If you have an emergency fund, now is the time to use it to cover your immediate needs while you search for new opportunities.

3. Seek Support

   You don't have to go through this time alone. Lean on your support network, including friends and family, for emotional support. Additionally, consider joining support groups or reaching out to career counselors (like NC Works) or therapists (ahem) who specialize in helping individuals cope with job loss. These professionals can offer guidance and practical strategies to manage anxiety effectively. LinkedIn has a great online community.

4. Set Realistic Goals

   While it's important to stay motivated and continue your job search, it's equally important to set realistic goals. Job hunting can be a lengthy process, and rejection is a part of it. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each achievement along the way. For example, updating your resume is a good step along with submitting one to two job applications per day. Manageable steps like this will help maintain your confidence and motivation.

5. Update Your Skills

   Use the time between jobs to build your skillset and marketability. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications in your field or a related one. Investing in self-improvement not only bolsters your resume but also boosts your confidence and sense of purpose during this period. Coursera is a great platform for online learning and you can use Coursera Plus for only $1 by using my link here: http://fbuy.me/v/erindavis_1 . Coursera Plus give you unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs!

6. Stay Active and Healthy

   Maintaining your physical and mental health is crucial during a job loss. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to manage stress effectively.

7. Networking and Job Search

   Networking is often a key factor in finding a new job. Reach out to your professional connections, attend industry events, and join online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network. Networking can lead to job opportunities and provide valuable insights from others who have experienced job loss.

8. Consider Alternative Income Streams

   In today’s economy, there are lots of opportunities to generate income while job hunting. There may be a craft that you would be really good at selling on Etsy. Perhaps part-time work or odd jobs can provide some financial relief in the meantime. Explore options to bridge the gap until you secure a permanent position.

9. Stay Positive and Stay Patient

   Job loss can be a life-changing experience, offering opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Stay positive and trust that, with time and effort, you will find a new job that matches your goals and values. Remember that setbacks are a part of any journey, and patience is key to overcoming job loss anxiety.

10. Enjoy Your Free Time

    What did you say? Enjoy my free time? Yes! Yes, I did! How many times were you at work and you thought, “I can’t wait until I get home!” We’ve all been there. In today’s world, our jobs typically pulls us in a lot of directions other than what we love and what we value. Even though this is uncertain times financially, pause, be in the here-and-now, and enjoy time with the people you love most. You won’t regret it.

Dealing with job loss anxiety is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional journey. It's important to remember that you are not alone. There are resources and strategies to help you get through this difficult time. By acknowledging your emotions, seeking support, setting realistic goals, and taking proactive steps to upgrade your skills and well-being, you can not only cope with job loss but you can come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. Hopefully you can look back on this time and remember that while times were tough, you still stopped to smell the roses. You are resilient and you can get through this!