Unemployment Coping Strategies

The National Career Development Association publishes a web magazine, Career Convergence, monthly and in the June 1, 2009 edition an article by Tim Lutenski, entitled "Coping with Unemployment" discusses just that.

With unemployment at the Nation's highest in over a decade many of us have job security and stability on our minds. Is my job in jeopardy? Will I get a pay cut? What should I do to ensure keeping my job? What if I lose my job, then what? Well, there are ways to cope and keep yourself functioning so you can keep working and find that replacement job, if necessary.

Lutenski acknowledges three suggestions to cope and survive a job loss.

1. Prepare Emotionally
2. Take Proactive Measures
3. Look to the Future

He also discussed tangible ways to accomplish these like recognizing your grief and job loss stages, view unemployment and job searching as your new job, release any bitterness from the past job, budget, make a daily routine, seek support, volunteer, find ways to increase skills, and follow your passion to encourage growth. I would like to discuss the idea that you need to release any bitterness towards your past employer.

I've encountered a number of people recently that have been release from jobs for a myriad of reasons and many of them seem to have a chip on their shoulder towards their old boss or place of employment. And rightly so! If you just put 5, 10, 15+ years into a job, were a hard worker, and became invested in the company's mission it may very well seem like you were betrayed. I understand the feelings that many people go through; it's typical to cycle through the the stages of grief and loss (Kubler-Ross), but the key point is to not let it run your life.

Even if you believe you've cycled through the stages and are at peace with your previous employer the emotions may still be present and manifest at an unfortunate time, like during a job interview. Employers can tell through non-verbals and para-verbals (vocal tones) if you have have a good relationship with your past employer or not. Employers do not want to hire someone with a chip on their shoulder or who they think might be carrying this baggage which could hinder the productiveness or quality of the employee's work.

So, what can you do to help prevent this from happening?

• Get in touch with your feelings and emotions through self-reflection and/or counseling.
• Contact the IPFW Career Services office, or your local college or unemployment agency, and inquire about doing a mock interview.
• Practice what you're going to say in an interview to increase your awareness of self and prevent the emotions from causing a negative impression on a future employer.
• Remember: bad talking your past employer doesn't make them look bad, IT MAKES YOU LOOK BAD! Employers may see the bad talking as a reason why you were let go or fired.

Read the complete story Lutenski, Tim (2009) Coping with unemployment, Career Convergence, NCDA.