Job Search News

Job loss can be terrifying and horrible, like a swift, hard kick in the stomach.  I know; I’ve “been there” – a couple of times.  It might be a bit of a relief.  Perhaps the job or the organization or the situation was unpleasant and leaving it behind is a relief – but job loss can also be frightening.

For most of us, there is a big dose of anger, too.  ”Hey, they made a BIG mistake here! I should still have a job!  I need the money!  Why me?  Why not him (or her)?  Why now?”  And on and on and on.

All natural and normal reactions, if unpleasant and uncomfortable for us and our families/significant others to experience with us.  It takes a while, but it is important to “get over” the anger because it will sabotage the search for the new job and possibly make the unemployment last longer.

Moving On After Job Loss

Many questions are probably running through your mind: What to do next?  How to find a job?  Where to find a job?  What job to find?  Where to get help?  Who can help?  Try not to let the questions turn into anxiety and fear.
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I think this is a fabulous idea – as long as the card isn’t snarky or sent with a mean spirit.  I’ve also seen “Happy Lay Off” cards that can be very funny, if you’re in the mood.

But, I also wouldn’t stop with only a card, even if the card is wonderful. There are so many more things you can do for someone who has just lost their job.

When you’ve been laid off, you can feel like an escapee (if you’re lucky) or like a failure or a victim, and sometimes you feel awkward about reaching back to people you saw every day but who are now employed where you were once employed.

You also feel cut off from your colleagues – from your (former) support network at work.  With luck, and a little effort, colleagues can transform into a network outside of work, too.

So that card is a great start.  And then: (more…)