When you leave a job, either through choice, or if you have been let go, leaving work can be a highly stressful experience which can lead to depression, anxiety and poor physical health. However, moving on from a position that doesn’t suit you can also be a life-affirming experience in the long-run. It is also suggested that if you have a positive approach to your wellbeing when you are in-between jobs, it can have a positive impact on your future employment.
If work plays a central role in your life, times of unemployment can be a little difficult to navigate. This is usually because of how much value you place on work in your life, how involved you are in your work, and how committed you are to your career. If you value work highly and derive meaning and fulfilment from work, it can leave a vacuum when you are not working, so it’s important to reflect on the meaning of your work, so you can identify what’s most important to you as you move forward.
It’s also important to acknowledge and grieve for the losses that comes with leaving a role, and to say goodbye to the people you will miss – from your work colleagues to the friendly person at the sandwich bar. If you have been able to plan for the break and have financial resources at hand, this will help to alleviate the stress of not working. On the other hand, if you need to work to pay the bills, you may need to look at re-organising your finances to give you some breathing space. If this is not possible and you need to work, financial strain is actually the best motivating factor for getting into a new job.
Committing to the belief that your time off will be a positive experience is highly protective and there are a number of strategies you can adopt to keep things on the right track including:
Personal resources
Personal coping resources are the internal traits that relate to your overall wellbeing. They include things like self-esteem, being self-sufficient, feeling like you are in control of your life and being generally optimistic. If you feel these things are lacking, it’s a good idea to reach out to an EAP Assist counsellor to work on your inner strength and identify your inner resources. It is a good time for practicing the skills you may have been putting off, such as reading self-help books, seeking out podcasts which resonate with you, and practising mindfulness or meditation. If you put some effort into planning what you will do during your time off it will feel both productive and empowering, bolstering your self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Social Resources
Being connected socially is the best way to buffer stress and social resources are the key to staying strong. You can boost your social resources through interactions with friends and family or reach out to support services for confidential support. If you feel like isolating, it’s important to reach out to friends or family, or anyone who is a good listener will calm your nervous system and help you to feel better. Joining any group activity can be highly rewarding and affirming when you are between roles and may even help you broaden your network. For example, playing group sports, joining a choir or a drumming circle, joining a running club or cycling club or playing golf, or volunteering for your favourite cause can be hugely beneficial in helping you to stay positive when you are unsettled.
Financial Resources
Putting yourself into problem-solving mode can also be helpful at this time. However, it’s important to note that the perception of financial strain, i.e. how worried you are about the financial pressure (even if you have a financial backstop in place) can affect your wellbeing negatively. Organising your financial situation, perhaps by liquidating some assets, or moving location, represents forward-motion, which can alleviate the stress of the situation. Adopting strategies to calm your anxiety will also help you to stay in balance so that you can make good decisions.
Upskilling
It’s a good time to review your job skills and take some action for example, to enrol in training or education. Perhaps there is an online course you have always wanted to do, or you may consider going back to college or university. Training and education also explains gaps in you CV to you prospective employer.
Structuring your time
Leaving a job can be difficult because working demands a familiar routine, and it can be difficult to conceive what to do when those working hours suddenly become your own. Studies have shown that remaining active and having a structured daily routine can improve mental health. Maintaining a good sleep pattern by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is not only good for your health, it will help you to structure your day. For example, starting the day with some meditation or exercise and scheduling your time around meals, as you would do at work, will help you to feel energised and productive.
Job Hunting
Looking for work is stressful, especially when dealing with inevitable rejection, so it’s important to shore-up your resources in the process. Reaching out for support from recruitment services can be very helpful to ensure your CV is sharp and up-to-date. Set yourself a specific schedule for the time you spend job hunting and stick to it. At the end of your “job search allocated time”, leave it behind and get on with the rest of your day. In managing rejection, remember, not every job is right for you, so if you did not get an interview, try not to take it personally, another opportunity will always arise.