The Coronavirus pandemic on its own is both exhausting and terrifying. As if that is not enough, we are now watching as the Covid-19 recession enters in, bringing with it, the harsh reality that the people suffering the greatest number of loss in jobs are women. So much so, that this unexpected job loss for women is now being referred to as the “SHECESSION.”

2021 seems to be running on the coattails of 2020.

And guess what?

We are just getting started!

If you find yourself facing this situation, I have a few strategies to help you deal with unexpected job loss.

Here’s a quick overview of the strategies I’m going to share with you:

STRATEGY 1:  REMIND YOURSELF THAT THIS TOO SHALL PASS

It’s normal to be upset and even sad. And it’s okay if you cry a little. Unexpectedly losing a job is devastating and the loss brings with it feelings of shock, rejection and even disappointment.

When you pour your time and energy into your job and the very thing you work so hard to achieve is then ripped away from you without warning, it’s only natural to feel upset.

Unexpected job loss may cause a period of mourning. As part of the healing process, take time to grieve and choose not to remain in that state of mourning for too long.

Extend grace to yourself. Be gentle with yourself during this time and remind yourself that this rough patch will pass. You are not a failure. The truth is that this sudden loss in employment was likely no fault of your own.

It’s okay to not be okay. And even if that feeling lasts for more than a day, it’s still okay. Remember, the tears and frustration you are presently experiencing will be one day be nothing more than an afterthought.

STRATEGY 2: RE-VISIT YOUR DREAMS

We see stories on the news of individuals thriving just one year prior, believing their futures were ahead of them. In less than one year their lives were stolen from them by a virus that is both silent and invisible.

The pandemic and the amount of lives lost provides a visceral reminder that life is short and time is limited.

Covid-19  brings with it a stark reminder that what truly matters is what we do with the time we have now.

Unexpected job loss is a difficult circumstance. But take this time to re-evaluate your life.

Get a journal and ask yourself the following:

• What dreams did I put aside because life or my job got in the way?
• Is there something I envision myself doing?
• What makes me happy?
• When I was daydreaming at my previous job where did my mind lead me?
• What makes me smile?
• Are there things I am passionate about?
• What areas of my life did I neglect because I was so focused on my job?

Use your journal and make a list of the promises you made to yourself in the past. Review it often to remind you of what you want to work toward achieving.

Use these items as resources to direct where you’d like to head in both your life and your new job.

STRATEGY 3: EMBRACE THE CHANGE

Like it or not, we are now entering a new normal. The normal that once was is likely not to return.

As you  prepare for this new normal, view this as an opportunity to embrace the change and work towards becoming the person you said you always wanted to be.

Or in the alternative, re-invent the person you are. Change is inevitable, but the opportunities can be limitless if you are open to them.

STRATEGY 4: EXPLORE YOUR CURRENT OPTIONS

As you start to pick up the pieces from the shock of unexpected job loss you will want to explore all options available to you. Additionally, you may find it necessary to employ some of your own resources.

You will want to reassess your budget and identify areas that you can reduce spending during your time of unemployment.

It is a good idea to revamp and rework your budget. Apps such as Truebill and Mint will help identify spending habits and highlight areas in which you can lower your expenses.

You can also use these apps to identify unnecessary subscriptions services, place them on on pause or remove them entirely.

And if you’re not keen on using these apps there’s always good ol’ pen and paper to keep track of your expenses.

Next, you’ll want to check with your local Workforce Commission or Solution Center. You will be able to gain information regarding Unemployment Benefits and Job Search Assistance that may be available to you. You may also be eligible for an Emergency Nutritional Assistance program to help provide food for yourself and your family.

Reminder: It won’t always be this way but to have these resources available during this time is a true benefit.

STRATEGY 5: USE YOUR NOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WHAT’S TO COME

So, you’ve signed up at your Workforce Solution Center and now have access to a job bank of potential employers.

This is the perfect opportunity to whip out or dig up your resume and begin making any necessary changes. If you really consider it, when was the last time you truly took a look at your resume?

Use this time to revise your resume. Your resume should provide a true depiction of the current assets you will bring to an organization.

Your local workforce center, although beneficial, is not the only resource you can use to get your resume in front of potential employer’s eyes. Become knowledgeable with sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter and use them as additional job search options.

LinkedIn is another resource that will get your resume out front and will provide an avenue for you to broaden your job search.

Make certain your profile adequately represents who you are as a potential employee and update your profile so that you are seen by recruiters who are actively searching for candidates on the site. Additionally, LinkedIn offers resources and tools that will help in acquiring new skills and also allows you to see what other job seekers are doing.

This is a perfect opportunity to discover what others are doing and determine how you can use your own personal skill set to stand out to potential employers.

STRATEGY 6: REALIZE IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD BUT IT CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO A WHOLE NEW FUTURE

One thing we know for sure about life is that we can always expect the unexpected. But, with the unexpected comes the opportunity to change, grow and evolve.

Of course, the potential exists to remain stuck but if you’re reading this then the likelihood is great that being stuck is something you’d prefer not to do.

So during this time of unexpected job loss take time to increase your skill set, learn a new skill or take a course in an area that interests you.

Let others know what is going on and build a true support system consisting of individuals who want to see you succeed. Some of the best jobs ever held in life are those that came as a result of word of mouth.  

Now, I’m not saying you have to let the whole world know what’s going on but a few trusted confidants are often all you need to get the word out to a whole network. In fact, by doing so you may discover that there are other individuals who are in the same boat as you and you may be able to help one another.

AND THOSE ARE A FEW WAYS TO DEAL WITH UNEXPECTED JOB LOSS

Unfortunately, unexpected and sudden job loss happens.

It happens to the best of us.

Businesses close and companies are forced to conduct layoffs.

It’s unfortunate.

But it is the world in which we live.

Although the loss of jobs for women is certainly a sharp blow, it is possible that with the right approach, it will become more apparent that despite the present circumstances there is still hope.

This is the time to engage, re-invent and an opportunity to become the person you had almost forgotten about.

Remain consistent and disciplined as you deal with unexpected job loss.

Be daring and bold by applying to that job that you previously wouldn’t have even considered.

Put yourself out there because as we all know time is fleeting and this loss, although difficult, may be the catalyst for a change you didn’t know you needed.

So, use your time wisely. Prepare for what is yet to come and expect it to be better than what once was.

“When life gives you lemons, plant the seeds, grow yourself an orchard and sell it to Sunkist.”

-JOSE N. HARRIS –