by Leanne Coffman

Created on: July 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

Job loss can be terribly painful for most people. It is, as the name states, a "loss." Like most unwanted separations, losing employment frequently has an emotional or a grieving process that accompanies it. Part of that difficult emotional journey may be evident in diminished self-worth and loss of identity.

How do you cope and hold your head and self-esteem high through job loss?

To answer that question, it's important to take a peek at what is termed "self-esteem." Typically, how we perceive our worth and contributions to others are tied up in how we view ourselves. It's our inner talk and belief system about who we are at our core that really can best define self-esteem.

Areas such as identity, finances, and even relationships with friends and co-workers, are tied to our work. Losing employment can shake inner image foundations. Suddenly our self-image of contributing, being part of a group, or providing for a family is rocked by an emotional earthquake called "unemployment."

In our culture, it is not uncommon for one of the first questions when we meet someone to be, "What do you do for a living?" Those who are unemployed may feel a significant blow to their self-esteem when they reveal their jobless status.

Here are some tips for keeping self-esteem high when job prospects are low:

Seek Others: If you have lost a job recently and are struggling with depression or poor self-image, comfort yourself with knowing you aren't alone. Roughly ten percent of the population currently is unemployed. When going through a difficult time, isolation or feeling isolated increases negative emotions. Find a support group, whether it be through a house of worship, local unemployment offices, or friends in similar situations. Many colleges have classes for the unemployed on resume building, job coaching, etc. It is likely you will find a few encouraging souls in these surroundings as well. Qualified therapists, who specialize in self-esteem building, can be of vital help countering feelings of isolation, especially when an individual feels depressed and unable to move forward.

Find Joy: It may sound and feel difficult to find joy when your inner world appears to be crumbling. However, remind yourself that life is about much more than work. And YOU are about more than that as well. As a person, you contribute much to the world apart from your employment. Let yourself explore areas of joy, such as family, friends, walks in the park, exercise, learning a new hobby or

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