Grieving job loss

Job losses globally are on a rise with the current COVID outbreak. Enforced lockdowns are causing a decline in the global economic activity and in the last 4 months many have lost their jobs. According to the ILO (International Labor Organization), they estimate that the Corona virus pandemic could claim up to 24.7 million jobs globally. 

Job losses are accompanied by several emotions besides the crucial financial aspect. For many their job or career defines their self-worth and with a loss of job they tend to think a loss of their self-worth.  Besides fear and anxieties, they feel a part of them is missing and questions like ‘who am I’ which then manifests into negative sentiments. Based on a report published in Harvard Business Review, it has been researched that employment is an intrinsic marker of moral worth. For many the emotional ties to their job is very deep and one can go through impactful psychological changes in mourning a job loss. 

One strategy a person can use when grieving their job is to confront the feelings head-on. They can ask themselves questions like what work means to them and what they get out of it. Answers to these could help the individuals understand what is missing in their life. Self-care is very important specially during job loss. Daily disciplines can support one’s overall wellness. A daily tracker could help evaluate things one can do each day, giving a sense of time wisely spent each day. For example:  My mental Health; My physical health; My learning; My professional goals; My relationships; My family; Self-reflection; Introspection; today, and so on. Improving habits that can make one feel at their best is another way to take care of one’s physical and mental wellness. Journaling thoughts and finding support/networking groups may help one feel that they are not alone.

It is absolutely OK not to be OK when grieving job loss. 

#selfcare #mindfulness #mentalhealth #selfdiscipline #jobloss #unemployed