December is normally a joyful month for most of us. But for many individuals this year, the termination of their career has wrapped them in a much-less cheerful spirit.
Have you, too, recently experienced the bite of losing your job? Regardless of the reason, job loss is never an easy wound to heal. And what may be worse is the constant wondering, How will I ever move forward from this?
Our emotions
When employment comes to a sudden end, it’s normal to experience a mixture of thoughts and emotions such as:
- Rejection
- Sadness
- Regret
- Anger
- Frustration
- Hopelessness
There’s nothing wrong with going through these feelings. In fact, it’s therapeutic to fully experience and process the strong reactions that come with loss. At the same time, be encouraged to know you will eventually get to a better place. After all, time does heal many emotional wounds as well as life situations.
How to move forward after job loss
As with grieving other significant losses in life, expect varied emotions as you’re coming to grips with the reality of your situation, and developing a new game plan. Job loss can be very difficult, so allow yourself grace during this time of adjustment.
Here are a few helpful tips as you’re waiting to begin your next career:
FACE EACH DAY IN POSITIVE WAYS!
- Get up each morning at a reasonable time to shower, dress, and look presentable to those you may come in contact with that day. Our appearance does make a difference in the way we feel about ourselves. Since your goal is to move forward in life and become employed again, you want to have a positive outlook about yourself in every way.
- Exercise consistently to feel more confident about yourself (and your future). This could be full-blown workout sessions at the gym or brisk walks around your neighborhood. Choose activities you truly enjoy and make them a consistent part of your days. Exercise helps us feel better—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s also an easy way to keep the creative juices flowing for your new direction in life.
- Stay connected with others. During this time of loss, don’t allow yourself to crawl into a dark ditch of despair. One way to prevent this possibility is to keep up connection time with friends and others in your community. If nothing else, get involved in small projects as a volunteer when you need a break from the tedium of your job hunt. Being around others can really lift our spirits!
- Update your profiles and start networking!
Present yourself in a positive light through your online profiles. If you haven’t done so already, scan over your resume to update past jobs with current information about the responsibilities you performed. And then be sure to make your online profiles visible to job hunters. Also, send notes to personal friends—letting them know of your availability. Everyone knows someone! Your next job connection might be made through personal or professional networking opportunities.
SEEK GOD’S DIRECTION
God is our Creator; He knows what’s going on in our lives—the good and the bad. In fact, He knew about your situation long before you did! So, this is prime time to seek His course of direction in your occupational pathway.
I’ve found it helpful to “pray scripture” whenever I’m earnestly seeking God’s plan. Scripture is God’s Word to us, so why not speak it back to Him as we seek to clarify His will?
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Read Psalm 25:4-5: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” And then pray something like Dear God, please make the pathway clear for me to see. I’m not feeling very hopeful right now about my situation, but I am placing my hope in You to lead me in this process!
Read Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Pray: Lord, I don’t understand why this happened to me, but I’m trusting You to guide me in this job search to the next perfect occupation You desire me to have.
Most importantly, trust the Lord to guide you through this challenging time. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read this encouraging word: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has great plans for your future. Take hope in this promise!