I'm Losing My Job: What's Going to Happen to Me?

The last few weeks, I've had several phone calls from prospective clients advising of a pending job loss in the coming days or weeks. And yet another caller today, announcing that after 20 years of service, I'm losing my job at the end of this month and I am really scared...what's going to happen to me?

If you've been down the job loss road before, you may well remember the drill. Dust yourself off and keep moving. Think smart; be effective; connect. And maybe this time around, it won't take you quite as long to land on your feet. And maybe if you get really lucky, you'll slide right into that next job with minimal downtime, no worries -- a piece of cake.

For some, though, it isn't that easy. Fear sets in, gets a grip, takes control, and leaves the newly transitioned spinning, unable to think straight, and in a state of limbo. So, what can you do to help yourself if you're losing your job?

Find someone to talk with. Not tomorrow, not the next day...today. Speak with someone you trust enough to watch you cry buckets if that's what you feel like doing. Someone who won't judge you and someone who cares about you unconditionally. It doesn't really matter what you talk about...just talk and somehow, almost miraculously, you will feel better. And keep talking; don't shut people out.

Give yourself permission to grieve, be sad and mourn your loss. Acknowledge the ending and what is over as you have known it. Celebrate what was and when the time is right in the future, you can then celebrate what is.

Don't beat yourself up or spend too much time focusing on the what if scenarios. What's done is done. You will need all the positive energies, good vibes, and productive thoughts that you can muster to stay motivated as you move forward.

Reach out to those you love, and those you like. It's a good place to get started and you can nurture your network from there. Advise each and every person in your circle of influence what has happened regarding your job loss and invite their support, encouragement, guidance, and help. Stay in touch.

Seek professional help from a competent career management professional. Ask those in your network for referrals and recommendations. Follow-up sooner than later to begin the next chapter in your career journey.

Bottom line, don't try and go it alone; today's workplace is all about teamwork and going solo is lonely and isolating. Looking for work in today's highly competitive, global marketplace takes a trusted, talented team of advocates who are totally committed to you and your continued career success.

posted by: billiesucher