Financial concerns are repeatedly reported as among the greatest sources of stress to individuals and families alike.
But loss of a job, career or business for whatever reason - be it dismissal, ill health or insolvency, for example - is more than this.
Many of us spend a third to a half of our lives at work, whether that be at at home or elsewhere.
It therefore becomes part of our life DNA.
We come to rely on the social and interactive structure work provides.
Therefore when it is removed, we feel isolated and we can consequently suffer a loss of identity.
Add to that the inevitable damage to self esteem and confidence suffered (the task of replacing employment not always being an easy one), and it constitutes a "triple whammy", so to speak!
So, what is the best approach to stressbusting™ this?
Well, our starting point is to acknowledge and validate the fact that the cause of the loss is rarely personal.
Businesses can fail and employment end for reasons totally the control of those affected - and usually do.
A downturn in the economic market can result in mass redundancies at work, that include very capable employees.
A new development in technology or an 'Act of God' could have rendered your business offer superfluous without you having done anything.
And so on, and so on.
Yet there is a discernable personal grief to the "loss" process to be worked through.
We will cover the important issue of Grief relating to the actual or pending loss of a loved one or relationship in a separate dedicated post.
But for current purposes, it is worth acknowledging the emotional phases Grief in any situation where there has been an actual or perceived loss of role, identity or self, generally involves.
We call this the 'DADAProcess™' - standing for Denial, followed by Anger, then Depression, and finally Acceptance.
Each stage can take a shorter or longer amount of time depending on the individual and the circumstances.
So it cannot be rushed, but naturally the sooner the process runs its course, the more swiftly equipped an affected person will be to make important decisions on next steps (for which, see "5 Key Steps to Stressbusting™ Decision Making").
There are different and more extended formats of what we term the "DADAProcess™ postured by experts and academics, but we find the simple version works for us.
It is possible to identify where you currently sit in the DADAProcess™ by examining how you feel.
This self measurement tool can vastly assist in providing reassurance that the feelings are normal and will not last forever.
And the process can equally be supported by an embracement of the ongoing need for us to reinvent ourselves.
Gone are the days that a job would be for life - we are lucky this day and age if a job lasts for 5 years.
Do you therefore have a hobby that can be turned into a money making venture or help pay the bills until you source another role? For ideas in this respect, see our post entitled "The Best Gifts are "made@homewith❤"".
This may or may not surprise you, but we had never operated any online based communication platform until we set up StressBustingExpert™, and have been self taught at every point in the process - see from our post entitled "Embrace Technology to Stressbust™", a philosophy we have actively therefore embraced.
Are there simple financial savings you can make which simultaneously improve your Wellness while saving money?
See our posts entitled "Top 10 Super Cost Effective Stressbusting™ Tips to Dietary Wellness that SAVED us money" and "Break Time Quickie - 5 Stressbusting™ Pros & Cons of Remote Working" as these may help provide some thoughts to help on this front.
And would it help to "Extend your Vocabulary to Stressbust™" (see our previous post so entitled) in advance of any interviews in which you need to 'sell' yourself and your experience....?
You may be tempted to hold your employer or another third party responsible for treating you unfairly.
You may be right, but make sure you are aware of "The Dangers of Litigation to Stressbusting™" before acting on this.
Other than that, approach the loss with reflection, acknowledge the Grief process at play and try to use the situation as a catalyst for personal growth and change, particularly if you don't "Have a Plan B" (see our post so entitled).
And finally, be patient.
The solution and next step may take time to present itself despite best efforts.
For useful techniques that may assist in this regard, please consult our posts entitled "Master this Patience Technique to Stressbust™" and "Stressbusting™ Techniques to Manage & Calm Overwhelm" respectively.
We hope that helps at what can be an extremely difficult time.
LOL,
xxxx LouLoU&MikeyM™ xxxx