Overcoming Job Loss presents: Managing the emotional side of job loss Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Losing your job is a major life event When you first receive the news that your job has ended, it can be devastating, disappointing, and a shock, especially if you were not expecting this to happen. Take some time to grasp what has happened to you Talk with your family and friends to share your story, and to garner emotional support as you accept the shock of this news Do not sign any settlement offer from your company until you have had legal counsel review it first Be aware that you may have physical and emotional reactions to this news that last beyond your dismissal day or week Understand that this is a major life event and it will take time to move forward Know that there are people around you who can help and that you can do a lot to help yourself in your journey Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

How does job loss affect a person emotionally? Initial and longer term responses may include: Surprise and shock receiving this news whether it was expected or not Feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms Feeling overwhelmed, tired, exhausted Emotionally strained in relationships, mistrustful of others Feeling stressed with family and friends Irritable and more sensitive than normal Feeling helpless and not in control of your life Angry, resentful, bitter Experiencing insomnia Lack of interest in joyful activities Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Maintain normal routines, create new ones Work/Life Balance Work routines and life activities have been interrupted and some stopped Build new work routines as you look for work: at the career coach’s office at the library at a small business centre and the community centre in your home office Keep in contact with professional colleagues and references Plan your job search activities and adjust as you need to Use your calendar to plan your activities to give your day structure Life activities Leisure activities – continue to do things you enjoy within your budget Family activities – enjoy moments with your family Personal time – take the time you need for reading, quiet time, reflecting, hobbies, interests, volunteer work and exercize Continue with normal routines (groceries, school & other activities) . Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Pay attention to your feelings Give yourself time to: understand what has happened to you accept that it has happened and that you need to move on consider what it is you want to do: same career or a new direction build a plan to help you to find employment reach out to family and friends, colleagues and references to - let them know you are looking for work - ask for any guidance and recommendations they can offer - ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of opportunities - re-affirm that your contacts are willing to provide a reference Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Caring for yourself physically helps you emotionally Looking after your body can help to keep you mentally and emotionally sharp and strong Continue any physical activities you do now, singly and with teams Engage in new physical activities to help keep yourself healthy Keep existing medical/dental appointments Set up new medical appointments as needed Avoid sitting at your home office desk all day looking for work – leave your desk, walk around, leave the house and remain active Maintain your sleep patterns, sleep more as you need to Maintain normal eating habits Avoid substance abuse – this could create more problems than you need to deal with right now Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Caring for yourself mentally and emotionally Look after your mind and your emotional self as you move from unemployment to employment: Read about job loss and seek strategies that can help you Read articles about your industry, your career choices, business in general to find trends and seek options Maintain balance in all the areas of your life that you can Seek counselling if you need emotional support Reach out to friends and family to share your concerns Ask for their support, encouragement and ideas about your job search Stay involved in your community with your existing activities Keep as many areas of your life as normal as possible Practice self-nurturing activities to remain positive Try to retain involvement with any professional organizations Remain as positive as you can Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016

Overcoming Job Loss: We wish you success in your job search! Prepared by EBC Services for Overcoming Job Loss (c) 2016