The economic downturn that resulted from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused many people to lose their homes and jobs. If you’re one of the millions of people who have found themselves suddenly unemployed, how can you learn to cope with a job loss?

1. Give Yourself Time and Space to Explore Your Feelings

Losing your job can be demoralizing. Your confidence levels may be at an all-time low, and you could be feeling the sting of rejection. These emotions are natural, and to move on, you need to process your grief. Don’t wallow in negativity, but be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to absorb the impact of what happened. A job loss is a major life event, so it’s OK if you don’t bounce back right away.

2. Seek Support

After a job loss, it’s normal to have days where you feel aimless and wonder if anyone will feel you’re talented enough for them to hire you. Instead of getting caught in a spiral of negativity, reach out to people you trust, like a mentor, family or friends. They can help you see things in a positive light and feel better about yourself. They can also encourage you to look on the bright side of your job loss. For instance, you now have more free time to put toward earning professional certifications or any other continuing education that might impress potential employers by demonstrating your dedication to your career.

3. Evaluate Your Opportunities

As you update your resume and your LinkedIn status, think about what qualities you want to look for in a new job. If your last position was with a large, bureaucratic company, maybe you’d feel more fulfilled working for a small startup or even a nonprofit organization. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to take your career in an entirely different direction. For example, if you’ve always dreamed of returning to school, going into business for yourself or exploring freelance opportunities, life has just presented you with the ideal time.

4. Network

Yes, losing your job can adversely affect your self-esteem. But don’t lose your sense of purpose and self-worth along with it. Even if you poured your heart and soul into that role, it still doesn’t define you, and neither does your current setback. As soon as you feel up to it, start putting yourself back out into the marketplace. If you have maintained good relationships with former vendors and colleagues, reach out to them. Ask if they’d be willing to serve as references or endorse you on LinkedIn, and offer to return the favor next time they’re looking to find a new employer.

5. Stay Positive

When you’re depressed or anxious after a job loss, fragile mental health can make you more vulnerable to substance abuse issues. In high-accountability sober living, you’ll surround yourself with a community of people who share the common goal of staying clean and avoiding a relapse. Here, you can fully focus on your new life and what you’re working to achieve. If you’re struggling to protect your sobriety, contact us today.