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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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