A faithful reader of this blog suggested doing a similar blog as the one on Tips for Grieving Well, only this one should be on coping with the another kind of grief: losing a job. So here goes Tips on Navigating the Loss of a Job:
- Whether being outright fired, or losing a job because of a "reduction in the work force," or losing a job for whatever reason: be honest with yourself. What exactly was the real reason for losing the job? Sometimes we can kid ourselves into thinking there were other reasons than the real reason. There's much to learn from knowing the real reason. Perhaps there is something to learn, like certain behaviors or job performance need to be purged from our character. At other times, we need to be consoled that the matter was out of our control completely and we need not castigate ourselves for it.
- Either way, don't dump on yourself. If there was something to learn, learn it, and move on. If you are simply a victim of circumstance, don't let yourself go into a narcissistic tide of self-loathing. Get over it and move on.
- Get creative! Think of wild possibilities for a new way to earn your living and provide for your family. Make lists of possibilities you'd not otherwise have the time to think about. The more wild the list, the more likely you'll find an option that fits you just right, but probably not on the far outside of the possibilities. (The crazy options just open your mind to think more creatively.)
- Pray like you've never prayed before. God knows exactly what would be your best fit. So, ask Him! And pay attention to how He might give you clues on what He is calling you to. Many people do not think that God has a perfect plan for our lives, so they don't ask Him to show the way. Ask the Lord to get your ego out of the way so He can guide you.
- In medieval times, when jobs were scarce, there was a widespread custom of "going on pilgrimage" to some distant spot known as a holy place (like the Holy Land or a saints shrine) to beg the Lord for whatever favor the pilgrim needed. It was also a time to get some space from the immediate surroundings and circumstances. In that mental and physical break from the routine and from the worry, the person could regain some confidence and some freedom to be more open to God's will. Try it! In Colorado there is the Saint Frances Cabrini shrine in Golden.
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