The coronavirus pandemic has had a terrible effect on the U.S. economy.
Millions have lost their jobs, at no fault of their own, because of the impact of COVID-19. Many have been in industries that rely on daily interaction with other people, such as restaurants, bars, fitness centers and gyms, etc.
If you are one of those who have lost their job because of the pandemic, you may struggle with a range of thoughts and emotions. What will I do? How will I support myself and my family? What should be my next step?
Here are some thoughts to consider if you are struggling with job loss because of COVID.
Take a Moment to Breathe
First, it really helps to pause for a moment. Take in a few breathes, stretch, etc. Losing your job, regardless if it’s a pandemic or not, is very hard.
You don’t have to process the whole thing now. But it’s useful to take time to absorb that this did just happen. Yes, you did just lose your job. And it hurts. Allow yourself the space to feel those emotions and to absorb the shock of the moment. Take the rest of the day to do this.
Otherwise, stuffing those emotions will only cause more stress and problems later on.
Start with Practical Steps
Once you’ve had time to take in the loss, it’s time to get started with the next practical steps. You might have done some of this work before you even left your employer. Since you were let go because of the pandemic (layoff) you are entitled to certain benefits. For example:
Unemployment checks.
Medical insurance under COBRA.
Each state has its own system for applying for benefits. Because so many have lost work, wait times can be long over the phone and websites are not always helpful. Be patient and know that this is all part of the process. Beware of scammers trying to take advantage of you and obtaining your personal information.
Additionally, losing your job is a loss, so it’s okay to take time to grieve and process.
Taking the Next Step: Applying to Jobs When You’re Ready
Once you’ve secured your benefits and have taken the time to grieve, it’s time to look for work. How you go about doing this depends a lot on your field. For instance, if you come from a highly specialized field, you may rely more on your personal network versus scanning the want ads.
However, don’t ignore job sites either, as there may be opportunities you might not have realized. One thing to think about when going about your job search is your resume and cover letter. Do you believe they are effective at conveying who you are and your desire for a certain position?
It may be helpful to have a professional service review your resume and give it a tune-up.
Should You Stay in Your Field or Switch Careers?
A layoff is often an opportunity to take stock and ask yourself,yourself, “Do I want to stay in this career?” There are many reasons why you might want to switch to a new career field. For instance:
Your current profession isn’t as likely to survive the impact of the pandemic.
Another career could pay more.
It might also be more reliable, consistent, and be recession-proof.
A different career could have more flexibility and work-life balance.
Finally, a different career can also be better oriented to your skills, personality, and passions.
Getting Help Because You Lost Your Job Due to COVID-19
Although the first part of this process is pretty straightforward (applying for benefits, etc.), the second part is more confusing and not as clear. You may not know which step to take next. That’s okay! It can help to talk to a therapist skilled in career counseling. There are several reasons for this:
Help you understand the practical steps you need to take.
Process the emotions and feelings you have surrounding your job loss.
Finding clarity and purpose towards what you want to do in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. For many, that includes coping with losing their jobs. If this has happened to you, follow the tips above, and consider therapy as well. Contact me today to learn more about how career counseling will help.