If you’ve
been laid off you’re not alone. Not having a job during the pandemic can feel
especially devastating due to the sheer magnitude, loss of control and
uncertainty. You might be wondering: When will this crisis end? Which
jobs and businesses will survive? Will we even get back to “normal”?
It’s also hard to job search when there are barely any jobs on the market.
Consequently, you might feel terrified, overwhelmed and powerless. Your
anxiety might be skyrocketing, and you feel depressed before you even get
out of bed. It is awful. And there are many ways you can
support yourself during this time. Here are 10 strategies to try:
Process your loss.
Blocking out some time each day to feel your emotions. Find a quiet, safe space
and observe what you’re feeling—without getting attached to the pain. For
example, instead of telling yourself, “It’s hopeless” say, “I’m having the
thought that ‘Things are hopeless.’” Instead of saying, “I’m anxious,” say,
“I’m noticing the emotion ‘anxiety.’
The utility of this is to realize that although you are experiencing intense
emotions or upsetting thoughts, you yourself are not the
content of those thoughts and feelings. Rather, you are the space or context in
which they unfold. These painful thoughts and feelings come and go. But you remain
through them all, intact and able to choose how you respond in any given
moment.
Figure out your finances.
The first step is to apply for job seeker or unemployment benefits.
Secondly, create a bare-bones-budget for the next few weeks or months. Consider
calling creditors to negotiate skipping payments or delaying them, such as with
your landlord.
In general, try to distinguish between a healthy and productive concern with
taking care of your financial needs versus fear of what might happen
in the future.
Create and maintain a schedule.
Work provides us with structure. Without it, it’s easy for your days to feel aimless,
meaningless and nebulous—and for your anxiety, sadness, and grief to deepen. To
carve out a positive routine, starting with the basics:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time
- Eat regularly (e.g., three main meals plus snacks)
- Move your body
- Connect with someone
- Focus on a productive project, such as researching work options or completing a chore
- Practice self-care, such as reading, watching a movie, doing a puzzle, or taking a bath.
Job hunt.
Don’t assume you won’t find a job. Even with massive layoffs, you are
just one person who needs one job. Regularly
checking job websites and looking into industries and companies that are
helping to facilitate remote work and communication.
In general, anything related to technology has not been affected as much or in
some cases is growing because of the limitations put on in-person gatherings.
So, perhaps you can pivot and harness your skills for a different position.
Take care of yourself.
Identify at least five consistent self-care activities—big or small—that you
can engage in on a daily basis. This could be as simple as drinking enough
water and taking a shower. Consider what restores and refreshes you. Consider
how you might meet your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs.
Prioritize connection.
It is important to stay in touch with others—since work might’ve been one of
your primary sources of social interaction. For example, since the start of
stay-at-home orders consider participating in group coaching, trainings,
meditation gatherings and get-togethers with friends, which can all been
virtual.
You also might find connection and valuable information from joining
industry-related Facebook groups. Look for groups and organizations in areas
you’re interested in that are having positive conversations and sharing
resources. This will not only help you find new opportunities but might give
you a good sense of how different professions or industries are reacting to the
situation, so you can be strategic about your own career move.
Focus on learning.
If you’d like to deepen your existing skills or learn something new, many
courses are available at significant discounts or free online.
Volunteer virtually.
See if you can volunteer your skills. Volunteering can provide you with
a sense of purpose along with experience you can add to your personal
portfolio. By expanding your network and connecting with people who share your
values and are doing good in the world can be a great way to stay connected
during this time. Plus, your time volunteering could lead to other
opportunities, including a new job.
Polish up your work materials.
Update your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, resume or website. Include new work
history, credentials, skills, certifications, and/or services. Doing this has
the added benefit of reminding you of all the great success you’ve had while
you were employed.
Speak to a counsellor. If you’re feeling distressed as a result of
job loss contact EAP Assist.
Although this situation seems scary since there are so many unknowns, …tell
yourself that you will find employment again. It might look different from your
previous job. It might even be an entirely new path.