Dear Reader,
Getting retrenched leaves you with a mixture of emotions: fear, anger, shock, bereavement….
Looking back over the past 7 months, I believe I should have done things differently.
I think we tend to panic – worrying about how to survive financially. And getting into a frenzy of activity without stopping to think what it is that we really want to accomplish!
But today – looking back – I want to suggest that first you need to take some time out to work through your emotions. You need to mourn what you’ve lost: be it the job that you love, financial security, a certain lifestyle or even the loss of purpose you might experience.
It is important that there should be a time of reflection about your life so far, finding yourself again. Figuring out your strengths and passions. Determining what you really want in life.
Make this a time of self-development and growth. See in what areas you can improve and what skills you need to learn to enable you to build the future you want.
Now I know that due to financial constraints this might not be possible for everyone, but I would like to encourage you to at least take just a little time every day for this.
Be kind to yourself and do what you need to do to survive mentally and emotionally. Even now, I can’t cope without going cycling on a regular basis. Maybe for you there is a favourite hobby, maybe you like art or writing. Just make sure to do something you enjoy, something that you can look forward to. So that this can be a little light in your current darkness.
This is not an easy road to travel. It is a time where you might have to lean a little bit more on your friends and family for moral support. Make sure to stay in touch. Talk to people you trust. Don’t isolate yourself as it will only lead to depression.
While waiting for your next opportunity, look at working as a volunteer with a charity. It will expand your skills, it’s good networking and it will give you a sense of purpose.
And you, dear reader. Do you have any tips to share to cope better with unemployment?
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Life Letters 