Losing a job is devastating; your career, finances, self-esteem, sense of identity and purpose can all be affected. It leaves you thinking about how you are to pay the bills and cater for all the responsibilities awaiting you. For Jane Uwamahoro, a former accountant in one of the local firms, Covid-19 hit hard the firm she worked with that many workers were laid-off including herself. She was jobless for about six months until recently when she got some skills in baking. She bakes cakes, chapatis and other snacks that at the end of the day, she manages to get some money. She is looking forward to starting her own business officially as she wants to be her own boss. Uwamahoro has no doubt that some ideas come along once someone leaves the comfort zone. To her, the bakery business allows her to even do other side business deals- something that wouldn’t have happened if she was still employed. Although losing a job can ruin one’s life and plans, it can at the same time be a way to discover what someone is good at. Dealing with joblessness will be a different process for everyone, but there are some things to keep in mind. One important consideration is to make sure you are taking the time to process your emotions in a healthy way as you look for ways to move forward. This is how you can get back to your feet to secure your next role. Get support. When some people lose jobs, they would prefer keeping it as a secret but it’s important to confide in positive-minded family, friends, former colleagues, career counsellors, and support groups. This can make a huge difference in how you feel and they can also help you gain a new frame of mind on your situation. But also, social networks such as LinkedIn can be valuable, too. Let your friends inform you of any job opportunities. Newspapers can be a great source of information as well about new job opportunities. Be kind to yourself. Psychologists advise accepting what has happened and allow yourself enough time to depressurise- take some rest or a vacation. But also, look after your physical health by exercising, eating well, and getting enough good-quality sleep. Be alert to the impact of stress and look for any signs that you might be suffering from depression, such as difficulty concentrating and remembering details, excessive tiredness, lack of sleep, and overeating. Consider what you want to do next. Losing your job can be an opportunity to reconsider your career goals, regain your values, and reconnect with your passions and interests. It might even be a chance to take off in a new direction and opening to new ideas can be a great benefit. Practice gratitude. Several studies prove that gratitude can have a huge boost on our mental health and wellbeing. It can help us to reframe our outlook, preventing us from getting sucked into depression or a loss of motivation. It can remind us that there is plenty to be thankful for that we weren’t thinking about, and that things are going to be okay. When you lose your job, it might feel like every day is terrible, but look for things you are grateful for. Rework your budget. Try to cut expenses especially those that are not so needed urgently. Try to see how much you are spending on what, where you could save, and how your spending habits are affecting your financial standing. Stay informed. You don’t wish to be uninformed once you are called for a job interview. Find ways of knowing what’s trending by reading blogs and other publications relevant to your industry. Learn new skills. Many companies are searching for people with extra skills. Your job loss should be an opportunity to learn new creative, technology and business skills. Apply for a new job. Once you are ready to start afresh, you can check social networks, recruitment pages, job sites, local newspapers, and business websites – to know what channel or platform will become the source of your new job.
