Everyone knows the book What To Expect When You’re Expecting, and while this is great for future parents, it is wholly unhelpful in the job search. However, I am here to help you with this blog post, What To Expect When You Get Laid Off. Not quite the same ring to it, but the same idea.
Without sounding like a hippie, let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling. Don’t smoosh it all down.
While you may first be upset and angry about losing your job, this is completely fine. In fact, there are predicted stages. You are likely mourning the loss of your job, which still has all the emotions of grieving. It is completely normal to go through all the stages of grief:
- Shock and Denial (Immediate – 1 Week):
- Difficulty accepting the reality of job loss. At AlohaResume we try to provide immediate comfort and easy first steps to re-engage in job search activities.This can be hard to start doing again! Just make sure you start again. Don’t get stuck in a funk.
- Pain and Guilt (1-2 Weeks):
- As the initial shock wears off, you may experience guilt over perceived shortcomings. If you were laid off, it was likely not something you did, and perhaps a change in the work environment.
- Anger (1-3 Weeks):
- Frustration with your previous employer or circumstances of your layoff. We offer peer support where she can share experiences and receive encouragement, so try to engage with us
- Depression, Reflection, Loneliness (1-2 Months):
- You might reflect on your career path and feel uncertain. Regular motivational insights and success stories from other people can provide inspiration during this stage, so look for ways to encourage yourself, even if that is logging off and taking a break for an afternoon or even a day or two.
- The Upward Turn (2-3 Months):
- As you adjust, you’ll start to see more positive opportunities. Tailored job alerts and opportunities can accelerate this positive momentum. This is good! Even if the momentum ebbs some, KEEP GOING.
- Reconstruction and Working Through (2-3 Months):
- With renewed confidence, you’ll be more proactive in your job search. Keep going!
- Acceptance and Hope (Ongoing):
- Acceptance of your new path. Continued access to resources for career advancement and personal development will help you maintain a positive outlook.
Note: Each person’s journey through grief is different. It is OK to be you. These lengths are only rough estimates. In reality, you will likely sprial through a most of these each day.
The biggest part of this is making sure you keep that acceptance and hope. For some, this can be the most difficult part of the whole shebang. No matter what, remember you’re worth more than your job or your resume. You got this!
Go live life,
Aloha Alex
Need more personalized job search tips and resume assistance? Explore Aloha Resume for AI-driven resume and cover letter generation, job application tracking, and mental well-being resources designed to support you every step of the way.