Coping with Job Loss

Well, yesterday, I officially became a statistic.  My boss told me that cuts were being made to our department, and I was one of those cuts.  It was so out of the blue, today I am still reeling.  I don't know how many others were affected, only that I was not the only one.

I work for a huge global corporation, and for the next month, I am eligible to be 'redeployed' to another job within the company.  Whether or not that happens, I don't know.  My job also came with a car, and I will be losing that, too.

I am aware that I am not the only one in such a situation, and I at least have a few months before the official axe falls.  However...after working at this company for 9 years, with no performance issues and happy clients, I am just numb.  Honestly, at this point, I am worth more dead than alive, since I have health/life insurance at the moment.

I am terrified at this point.  Home repairs over the summer drained my savings, and now this! 

I guess my point in posting here is how do I get over the sheer terror of the situation, the feeling of complete and utter worthlessness...the feeling that I have no reason to waste oxygen at the moment.  How in the world do you get through this part to even start to assess the situation?  I'm afraid to go out and replace my car, because taking on more debt is NOT a wise move.  I'm scared to accept a position within the company if it's even offered, because I have absolutely no faith in them anymore after this...who is going to ever want to hire me now?

How do you even begin to move forward when you've just been told you mean nothing? 

Well first, you give yourself a few days to have a pity party and wallow.  Have drinks with friends and dance all night, take a hot bath and sulk, whatever lets you give into the feelings you're having.  Then once those few days have passed you pick yourself off the floor and snap out of it.  Now its time for action.  You have a few months and that really is a good thing.

Examine your budget and cut costs.  It'll be easier to do now rather than when you're desperate later.  Sock away whatever money you can in savings.  Make sure you do all of those preventative doctor visits well before your final days at work.  Purchase any necessary medication now.  Stock your pantry with nonperishables.  If you have room at home consider renting out a room.  And as for the car situation, look into buying a more affordable gently used one or perhaps a loved one has one you can borrow until you're back on your feet.

Next you dust off your resume and give it a shiny new look.  Hit up everyone in your network, let friends/family know you're looking, and look online.  Also don't forgot to hop on here to vent or let us know how you're doing or whatever. 

Thank you for your post.

I'm still in shock.  They crying jags are less frequent, but it is still so hard to focus without breaking down into the overwhelming 'What do I do first?' 'This job market is just BAD,' 'I worked so hard to get where I am and to establish some sense of security, and now I've got almost none.'

I realize I'm not the only one experiencing this type of vortex of suck, and I take some measure of comfort in there are millions out there who got their own individual rugs pulled out from under them.  It helps that I'm not alone...but with so many questions I don't even know are coming yet, and with no clue what answers I am even looking for, it just overwhelms me.

Thankfully, the resume issue is, ironically, the most 'done' of my issues.  Several years ago, when our company was in a pay freeze, I put out feelers.  With nothing much changing, job-history wise, it's a matter of updating contact info, tweaking to suit...so that task is more taken care of than I'd hoped.

How people with kids go through this, I can't imagine!

Hi, sorry for what you are going thru.  I’m in a bit of a hurry but wanted to ask you if you have filed or unemployment?  You need to do that ASAP, that will help you and you’re entitled to it.

You need to try to stop telling yourself you’re worthless.  Sure, a pity party is fine, but a lot of people have gone or are currently going thru the same thing or worse.  As soon as possible you need to pick yourself up and get some resumes out there, make some calls, check out websites of companies you want to work for.

If you think you are worthless, that will show in interviews (which are hard to even get these days.)  If you can’t stop dwelling and begin to feel better, you might want to get some counseling (most have sliding fee scales).  A qualified therapist can also help with job search tips and referrals.

I’ll check back later.  Hang in there.

First, I know exactly how you feel.   I was laid off from a company I worked for a total of 7 years in 2008.  It really  hurt,  but at the end of the day, it wasn't my fault.   I worked for a financial services company.. need I say more?    A few fat cats made some bad bets and people like me paid the price.

The global financial crisis has been SO DEEP, that it's affecting every industry in every location.   Companies with long standing roots have had to shave employees, the cuts have been so deep, they've been Muscle and Bone.. not just fat.   LOTS of GOOD TALENTED people out of work right now.   Go to any Job Seeker meeting and look around.     This is NOT your fault.   It's a depression and it's affected everyone.

After such a long tenure, give yourself permission to take some time off, maybe even the rest of the year.    Enjoy the holidays, do some things you've put off.   I know the financial burdens are worrisome, but try to think of it as temporary.  It wont last forever.  And if you get offered a new job, take  it.. and be confident in yourself.   Don't beat yourself up.  You are going to need confidence, grace and stamina to navigate the job market.   If you lose confidence in yourself, no one else will be confident enough to hire you either.