How to deal with losing your job
Let’s face it… losing your job sucks!
You worked hard, made sure you worked to the best of your abilities and you wanted to succeed. You had come up with a roadmap on how to climb the corporate ladder. You felt like you were starting to achieve something and doing a good job, surely you’d be offered that promotion in no time.
Then the unexpected happens, you’re no longer needed as your company is cutting costs. Your heart sinks, everything you had worked for and hoped for has just vanished…
At first, you refuse to accept it, surely not. I worked too hard for all of this to be thrown away. Is there no other job within the company that would want me in their team?
Before you know it, you’re saying your goodbyes and packing up your desk. You leave your laptop and fob, which feels really weird leaving empty handed. At the same time, you feel relieved that it’s all over. The frustration, the hurt, the confusion can all be left at the company door. You no longer need to fake a smile during the day and trying to manage all the emotions. However, it is important to always leave with grace!
My contract ended sooner than expected just before Christmas 2024. I had imagined that more work was coming in 2025 and they would need me to stay. It was a shock, and I wrapped everything up in only one week as I had been at my company for five years. But this did mean I could have an extended Christmas break, and take the time to unwind and reset for the next year.
However, I wasn’t expecting for it to be as hard as it has been and to be honest I think I was a little naive.
I heard people at my previous job, explaining how many applicants they were competing with and how little jobs there were but by January 2025 I thought the job market would have changed.
I got back on the horse in January, and applied for two jobs. These jobs were right up my alley and I definitely could do everything that they desired and needed. I then received two rejection emails. I was confused. I then saw that over 200+ people had applied for each role. I couldn’t believe it. How was I suppose to compete with that many people?
As time went on, I applied for more jobs and contacted recruitment agencies and received more rejection emails. I did successfully have two separate interviews however they went with more experienced and/or better fit candidates.
I was lost. I had lost my routine and in some way my confidence. I thought I had left my previous job with tons of experience but sometimes I don’t think that’s enough.
I have learnt a lot about myself over the past few months. I didn’t realise how much of my confidence was tied to my job and I felt like I needed to rewire my brain to find other ways to build my confidence.
I also want to share some tips that have helped me stay sane:
Create a routine: Over time, I created a routine. Get up at a similar time if I had a job, make myself and my partner a coffee, feed the dog, then clean up and walk the dog all before 9am. This meant I could start my day productively.
Create a to-do list: Something else that helped me was creating a to-do list the night before. This meant I knew I had things to do when I woke up in the morning. Some of these things included gardening, groceries, finally painting some of our renovations etc.
Seek support: Reach out to friends and family or people you use to work with. It’s important to communicate how you’re feeling and to know you are not alone, as it can get lonely being at home all day especially being around people for 40+ hours a week.
Remember the little things: Some days it can be difficult to be motivated but having things to look forward to and things that bring you joy can really help. It could be hobbies you never had time for before or cooking something nice for dinner.
Whilst it’s definitely a mental game navigating unemployment, it’s important to remind ourselves (and myself from time to time) it’s a season in your life, it’s not permanent.
After every rejection call or email I get, I try to remain positive that there is a job for me and everything will be alright.
If you’ve been unemployed, what helped you get through it?
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