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Develop Life With Job Loss

            Few people are prepared emotionally when they lose their job. The first thing most everyone does is to think they have to find another job right away. Quite often it takes months to find another position and in some cases it may take a year or more. Looking full time for a job over a few weeks is bearable, but if it goes on longer people tend to get depressed and lonely. The longer it goes on – the worst it becomes. People need to develop more of a normal life from the outset.

            Humans are social animals. For so many people work provides them with more of a social life than they realize. Their friends are there. Often it is the only social interaction they have outside of their family circle. When it is suddenly gone, they do not know how to create other needed personal interaction.

            If you lose your job don’t panic – relax. Don’t rush out and grab the first job offered unless it is one you really want or you can’t survive financially without it.

            One of the best ways to get started is to use the telephone to talk with friends and former colleagues. Because of the rapid expansion of the Internet, many people have gotten out of the habit of using the phone. It is still one of the best ways to reach out and touch someone while sitting at home. Share ideas, gather leads, and exchange successes. This is also one of the best ways to network and get new job opening information. The more people in your phone network, the better chance you have of getting viable employment leads. But, don’t use the phone to just develop new job leads, also use it for social interaction. It can help give you a lift when you really new it.

            Still use e-mail and instant messages for communicating with your friends and former colleagues. Many of them may prefer this method; it is timely and can include detailed attachments. Set up a schedule to review messages and to send them.

            Utilize chat rooms to develop new contacts and friends. Exchange information about what you are going through. There may be good employment leads available here as well. This is a good way to develop contacts outside of your city and find out what is happening elsewhere.

            Do lunch. Get out of the house. Meet with your friends and former colleagues when they may have the time during the week. Knowing that you have to go out to meet with others can prove a great pick-me-up. Just taking a shower knowing you have somewhere to go can feel great. Breaking up your normal routine can be important to reducing a feeling of isolation.

            To expand your ability to get out of the house, join organizations. Selecting the right organizations can increase your potential employment contacts. Special interest groups in your field can be beneficial. Check out trade groups in your area. Chamber of Commerce business functions may give you both employment contacts and an increased social life.

            Groups like Toastmasters International, which help develop public speaking abilities, can help develop your skills.

            Your school’s alumni association may have regular scheduled meeting and if they are not too far away from where you live they can provide great contacts.

            Service clubs may prove valuable meeting places. There are many such as the Jaycees and Rotary clubs. They have regular meeting times and great contacts. Choose a group whose interests appeal to you.

            Don’t get rapped up in social activities and forget your goal of finding a job. Use discipline to find employment and at the same time enjoy yourself.

            Remember that being in a good state-of-mind while seeking employment is important. Don’t neglect your emotional well being while looking.