Best Boomer Towns Columns

Surviving Job Loss

There are many people who are now suddenly unemployed. Here are ten tips to help you deal with the turmoil and pain of losing a job you need and may love. My wish for you is that you never have to use them. 

1.     Don't let fear control you. Many people get frozen because they don't know what to do, so they opt to do nothing and instead just worry. It's appropriate to be concerned, but you also have to start making the necessary moves to insure your comfort and survival.

2.     Never underestimate the power of networking. Talk with people who can help you and follow any leads that come your way. Connect with others everyday to help you get another job. Send out resumes, and keep your contacts alive.

 3.     Find emotional support. There are numerous groups for the newly unemployed, many with counselors and job coaching. You don't need to tough it out, go it alone, or reinvent the wheel.

4.     Go on practice interviews. Even if it's a job for which you are way over qualified, or even under qualified, go on the interview. The more interviews you do, the more comfortable you will be with them, and when the right one comes alone, you'll nail it.

 5.     Apply for unemployment. It may not feel too good, but the real truth is that your previous employer paid for the insurance, and it is perfectly acceptable to use it. Also make sure you have some health insurance as well.

 6.     Don't try to mask your pain by substance use. Yes, a nice glass of wine can definitely take the edge off. But if you start having more than one drink or using drugs on a daily basis, pull yourself out of the pattern before it becomes an addiction.

7.     Don't spend too much time alone. You will need some time to grieve in order to move on, but you can't find a gig if you isolate, so get out there and investigate who is hiring. Remember that an in person meeting is always better than an e-mail.

 8.     Create a routine and stick to it. It is very easy to get out of the rhythm of going to work (or looking for work) every day. Make looking for a job your new job for right now.

9.     Beware of the desire to make big changes. Don't move to another town (or into your parent's house) right away. If you are financially strapped, having to move may be a necessity, but don't do it out of panic.

 10.  Research. Find out what others did who have not just survived but thrived after their jobs ended. There are also some great books on job hunting and creating home-based and Internet businesses.

 Dr. Goldsmith's new book "Emotional Fitness at Work" (Career Press) will be released this fall.