by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: November 28, 2011   Last Updated: April 28, 2012

The Certainties of Life

An unexpected job loss can create havoc for those who are unprepared.  The only way to handle such an upset to the financial and job security that came with the position is to always be prepared.  Remember the old saying “Nothing is certain except death and taxes?”  This may be true; however, there are many other events that may also be certain – one of which being that at some point in everyone’s life there will be a sudden job loss.  Yet, also remember that when one door is closed another one is also opened.

People who plan are ready for such a pitfall.  They have saved back money, kept their resume updated, and stayed on top of their careers by learning the newest technology that will help them bounce back quickly.  They have many reliable social and emotional outlets (e.g., support groups, church/religious community, good relationships with family and a few loyal friends) other than just former coworkers to rely on in times of crisis.

Types of Unemployment

Sudden unemployment can come in many different forms.  For example, the individual may have been terminated.  This can happen to the best and worst employees.  Either way, there are lessons to be learned.  Perhaps it would be prudent to do a self evaluation to see why this happened and to consider what could be done to prevent it from happening again.  Sometimes there is nothing that the employee could have done when a company has decided to relocate or is forced to reduce their workforce due to economic changes.

Coping Mechanisms

For those who are prepared (i.e., financially, psychologically, and emotionally), losing the job will still be an unfortunate circumstance, but that person will also use their downtime to take stock of their life and try to make good use of the extra time they may now have to work on a entrepreneurial idea or spend more time with family and friends.

Stay busy, find ways to network, set financial goals and prioritize so that what has been attained during the working years is not lost (e.g., homes, savings).  Consider other ways to earn money while looking for work.  Do not be too proud to take work that pays less than former employment did.  Any job is better than no job during this transitional period.  The most rewarding part of this time period could be that no matter what happens, when the individual looks back, they may discover that losing their job was the best thing that could have happened to them.

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