Having no work due to unemployment/redundancy comes high on the list of stressful life events. Unfortunately, due to the current recession employers continue to find themselves having to reduce their staff numbers in an attempt to keep businesses afloat.
Photo by Alejandro Escamilla on Unsplash
In the current climate it would appear that no one is immune from the risk of losing their job. The younger generation with limited skills and experience to offer employers find it increasingly difficult to gain employment. For those experiencing unemployment there are both psychological and practical implications and being forced to spend more time at home could lead to strained relationships within the family.
What is employment?
Our job provides us with so much more than a place to spend our time and the means of earning an income. It provides financial security, a sense of achievement, social contact and offers routine and structure to our life. It can influence how others see us and give us our sense of identity. Since so much of our sense of identity and what we do is wrapped up in our job it’s hardly surprising that we would find that losing our job can be devastating. The many emotions that are experienced when we lose our jobs are likened to those of bereavement. Feelings of rejection, stress, anxiety, lack of self-esteem are very common also and can have a huge impact on our confidence. Unfortunately, a loss of employment usually means less income and perhaps further difficulties as a result.
Coping with unemployment – emotional responses
As with bereavement there is a gradual process of adjustment which involves a series of powerful emotions and feelings. The sequence of emotions can be presented in a variety of ways with some stages lasting longer than others. What is important to remember is that these feelings are normal.
Denial
This could mean you not telling your family and friends that you have lost your job – hoping that by ignoring the situation it may go away. This is a normal defence mechanism allowing your mind the time to get over the initial shock.
Bargaining
You may approach your manager in a bid to try and get him to change his mind or ask to be relocated. This is another mental defence mechanism giving you the illusion that perhaps there can be a quick fix to your situation.
Anger
This may be directed at your employer or towards colleagues, particularly those who may not have lost their jobs. Those closest to you may also feel your anger, including family members and friends. Anger is a normal response and should not be held in, however it is important to be aware of how our anger is expressed and the impact it may have on others.
Despair
Overwhelmed by the apparent hopelessness of your situation, despair manifests itself in different ways. For some there may be periods of silence, melancholy whilst others may experience bouts of crying. This can be accompanied by feelings of guilt and feeling that in some way you brought the situation on yourself together with a belief that life will never be normal again. Financial strain may also be compounding your difficulties, putting strain on your relationship. It’s not uncommon for men to feel a sense of failure if they are unable to provide for their family.
Acceptance
At this stage you can begin to look at your situation rationally and begin to make the adjustments to your life necessary to incorporate the changes. This adaptive behaviour will enable you to begin planning your future.
Coping with unemployment – practical responses
Make finding a job your job – engage in a positive job search. Reflect on your skills and abilities. Make a note of experiences and knowledge gained in or out of work
Plan your time – make a list of what you want to do and how you will fill your time. This strategy can help reduce some of the uncertainties and structure and is a good way of keeping negative feelings at bay
Stay active – try to keep yourself physically fit
Stay positive – Life is changing not ending – Remember this situation is only temporary
Finances – Look to make some adjustments to your spending patterns – ways you can cut back. If you have any debts or loans, speak with your lenders. Seek professional advice.
