When you lose your job, it’s a shock. The days after getting the news feel surreal as your new reality sinks in. Your income has drastically changed. Your healthcare may be in jeopardy. The routines and schedule you’ve become accustomed to suddenly stop. You feel like you don’t know who you are when you’re not [your former title] at [your former company].
I know how you feel. After nearly 90 days of social distancing, working full-time from home with two young children, both my husband and I were furloughed within less than 24 hours of each other due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He found out first at 4p on a Tuesday. I found out at 10a the next morning. For both of us, the furloughs are indefinite.
First, I want to tell you something a wise friend told me the day after. You are enough as you are. You are worthy of love and belonging. Your job does not define you. Full stop.
Take a few deep breaths. Tense up your whole body, from your forehead to your toes, and hold for a count of five. Then release that tension. Breathe in, breathe out. You’ve got this.
Now, I want to share the actions steps I’ve been taking in the wake of job loss — a few things you can do when you lose your job to regain momentum and a sense of control.
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