by Emily Hunter

Created on: April 04, 2010

A sudden job loss has the potential of throwing anybody into a panic.   A job is not an identity, even though we do it for forty (or more) hours a week.  Jobs are merely vehicles for gathering resources, and with a bit of assessment we can replace that vehicle.  After the job loss, the time can be used constructively  to get another source of income.  

♦Take a few days off.  Chances are, the bills have been paid to the point where you can spare one or two days to lounge around the house and regroup.  This 'vacation' allows you to clear your head and shoo any panicking thoughts that may arise.

♦Don't panic.  Our brains tend to spin situations and events out of control.  Our livelihood has been cut short and since we haven't been looking, no other options have been coming to mind.  Taking a few steps back from the situation allows us to fully assess the options available to us.

♦Find your passions.  What do you do on your days off?  What do you want to do?  If you found that your mind was wandering at work, where did it go to.  Think about what you really enjoy and what you can do in that field.  Don't be afraid to list out your characteristics that would suit that arena. What did you like about the job that you just lost?  This will help in finding a direction to strive for after that loss.

♦Do some research.  You love motorcycles and enjoy working with people, but have never worked in the industry.  Check out the job listings available in the paper or online and see what they're searching for.  Look around to see  if there are needs in your community that you can meet.  Keep an open mind.  Remember that ideas build upon one another and that scanning websites and job listings is free.

♦Networking.  Networking is the art of meeting people in the hopes that there can be a mutually beneficial exchange of services.  There are functions advertised all the time which cater to certain areas of your life.  Chances are, you know people in your field of passion who can help you out or offer some advice.  You are not alone.

Losing a job is not the end of the world.  By taking a few steps back and independently assessing your needs, you can come up with answers that fit your desires.  Planning can get you where you want to be.

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