Up in the Air- When You First Lose a Job

Up in the Air- When You First Lose a Job!!

I recently saw the movie with George Clooney and in it were real clips of people across America who had lost their jobs.  It was heart wrenching, the rage, desperation, anger, hopelessness and extreme fear.

People made statements such as, “What do I tell my wife and kids? Who will pay for my daughters asthma medication?”  I hope you can sleep at night, you will have gas in your car, food in your frig. How will you sleep at night?  Another man sobbed incessantly and said I am 57!  What am I going to do?

People threw chairs, screamed and stormed out in rage.  One lady even said calmly I know what I am going to do.  I am going to jump off a bridge.

America please listen.  WAIT! STOP! There is HOPE after a job loss.  Please sit down, take a couple of deep breaths. Calm down.  You may need someone to talk you down from your anger, rage or extreme depression.

This is the time to call the most accepting person you know and just VENT!  Remember when 9-11 happened.  All of America made phone calls.  REACH OUT. You are in a very real crisis.   People do love you and care about what has just happened.  If you don’t have anyone please consider a counselor.  There are people who care and want to hear your story.  You are not in this all alone.

In the movie George Clooney made it sound trite but he said to someone he was firing, “Find a routine, go to the gym and soon you’ll find your legs.”  Well said George about finding your legs to stand on again.  Someone has just pulled the rug your standing on out from under you.

In the movie they made a canned statement when firing people.  They would say many people who changed the world or started an empire were only able to do so because like you they sat across a table same as you at this very moment.  In other words: you have a golden opportunity if you can see it.

The words may seem trite but there is truth to them.  Did you know Walt Disney was fired from a job because he was told he had no imagination.  Can you imagine?  He went on to create an empire based on the wildest of imaginations.  He didn’t let his employer stop his genius or talent.  He knew what he was capable of.  Can I tell you that you are incredibly talented and you didn’t deserve this to happen to you.

You have something unique to offer the world and you will get through this to find the other side of the mountain.  You’ve been pushed out of your comfort zone so why not go all the way!! Go for broke! Whatever you dreamed of doing consider it now your opportunity.

When you lose a job you can create something new, fresh and powerful in your life.  George Clooney also pointed out that some people punch a time clock every day for 30 years but they never find their lives.  Consider yourself as having a better opportunity.

Some steps to recovery immediately after losing a job.

1.  Find someone to talk to you can trust till your done processing all this.

2.  Seek some physical activity as an outlet. 

3.  File for unemployment the same day-it gives you a sense of control.

4.  Embrace your family and friends.  Its OK to lean on them.

5.  Consider meeting with a business coach to decide what the next step is.