Being abruptly fired from any job is traumatic and difficult experience but could be a timely warning to observe and better understand oneself. The pain, hurt pride, worries, and their effect on mental and physical well-being are all real and devastating. We experience good and bad periods in our life. Most view mental health as feeling good in the wide continuum of daily life.
Over 4,000 studies by experts confirm that being fired, impacts on mental well-being and being fired negatively, affects a person over five years. In our careers, five years is a long period. In the present pandemic situation, people changed jobs four times in their first ten years on the job market and about 54,000 people were fired every day in 2016. Statistically, all face the prospect of being fired. How to deal with a difficult reality, impacts how you overcome it.
Talk to a Professional
A therapist can assist in processing the job loss and assist in the new job search in a positive manner. You analyse various problems during your last job and ensure solutions which pose no difficulties in the future. Depending on needs and expert advice, goal-oriented therapy can help you strategize for upcoming challenges and focus on short-comings which may have hindered you earlier
Steps to Take On Being Fired
While no job loss is the same, some important steps can help prepare you mentally for job search after being fired. It is important to proactively move forward:
Have Confidence in Yourself
Don’t panic or isolate yourself when feeling wounded and less social; don’t stress too much about what could have been done differently and be kind to yourself. Don’t think about negative aspects of your earlier job. You did your best, learnt all you could, and concentrate on becoming indispensable in the future.
Avoid Hasty Steps
While stressful to lose your source of income, career and sense of identity, diving into job search is bad for yourself and your career. Getting laid off is a chance to address issues holding you back professionally, for years. There’s always a silver lining and things often turn out to be better.
Grieve over your Loss
As with any major trauma, allow time to grieve and adjust oneself to reality, as the unemployed suffer twice the number of psychological issues as those with jobs. Grieving is a healthy and natural approach to loss. Dealing with emotions of loss, ensures a healthy approach to job searches later.
Address Mental Health Issues Promptly
Mental health issues aren’t based on employment status. Seek help to feel and function better. All mental health issues are enhanced by stress, pressure of job deadlines and unrealistic expectations. If struggling with mood disorder, trauma, anxiety, depression, or addiction, seek professional treatment, now. Whatever helps in improving your mental health is a welcome step and with more free time, make calls, research online, learn about treatment styles and then set up appointments.
Taking Stock
Residual bitterness remains after a job loss, but recall positives gained during employment, such as new insights, expertise, managing larger teams, new skills or new technology. You learnt new things to add to your CV. Acknowledge your ability to grow and handle responsibility and achievements. For new positions, concentrate on new responsibilities and mastering new skills.
