By Catherine Adenle
These are 8 proven ways to deal with job loss during a pandemic. These tips will let you deal with the challenges of losing your job. Whilst many businesses have adopted a remote work culture to combat the coronavirus pandemic, others have had to take the unpleasant step of making their employees redundant.
Have you been made redundant due to coronavirus? If you have been affected, here are 8 tips that will help you to cope with job loss anger, annoyance, confusion and stress. These tips will help you to put a positive foot forward in this difficult situation.
In your career, dealing with redundancy could be one of the most difficult changes you encounter. Why? It involves you having to cope with the shock and various emotions that will show up, not to talk of the feeling of powerlessness. However, there are various steps to take in order to make a redundancy change a bit less painful. There is no doubt about it, losing your job can be devastating, but having any type of information needed to be able to cope with the situation is empowering.
8 proven ways to deal with job loss during a pandemic
At first, receiving the news that you’ve been let go of or made redundant from work can evoke anger, annoyance and other painful emotions. You may feel an instant drop in confidence, motivation and that losing your job is the end of the world.
In uncertain times like during the Covid-19 pandemic, job loss is far from ideal for most of us. The key is in how we deal with the situation. It’s important to take the time to breathe and pragmatically reflect. When in this type of situation, it is important to put things into perspective.
Yes, you have lost your job but this is just a momentary setback. You were loyal and were competent, and this is the chance to put all your transferrable skills to use in starting a new chapter in your work life. Yes, finances may be a concern but there are ways and means to survive until you find your next challenge.
See 25 Ways to Earn Quick Money If You Get Laid Off
Having time to think about what has happened will also allow you to reflect on whether you were truly happy in your previous role, so if necessary, you can weigh up new career options which are more suitable for you.
In the current circumstances where we’ve been instructed to socially distance from work colleagues, friends and family, this is easier said than done.
However, you can connect with them via telephone or video call. If you live with family and friends, you can also lean on them for support. If the support from those you know isn’t enough and you find yourself spiralling, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123.
Your previous job has given you more experience in your field that you can imagine, so take some time to update your CV and showcase that additional experience you gained. If you are looking to apply for more specialist roles, create alternative versions of your CV which have put emphasis on the skills and experience which is integral to that role.
See 3 Types of CVs: their Advantages and Disadvantages and See How to Get an Online Job of your Dreams
See 3 Popular CV Formats: Know the Right One for You and 20 Guaranteed Ways Recruiters Will Notice Your CV
Get in touch with former colleagues even if you haven’t spoken to them in a while. Make LinkedIn your favourite social media platform. Reach out to your past colleagues for guidance and assistance. Let them know that you are seeking a new job and that they should let you know of any opening in their areas. Update your social media presence and remove anything that will affect your chance of securing a good job.
When upset, bored or stressed due to job loss, it is easy to become sluggish and make poor dietary choices. However, many studies show that exercise is good for both physical and mental wellbeing due to endorphins. When released, endorphins trigger feelings of positivity which in turn, help to fuel a person’s drive and motivation. When you start your job hunt, this is the pick-me-up you’ll need. This could be a morning yoga session, doing a YouTube workout or spending your daily activity time going for a walk around the block.
Once you’ve updated and revitalised your CV, get online and start searching for your next role. There are a number of different websites to find roles; from Indeed and Reed to LinkedIn Jobs.
If your career interests have changed whilst you were in your previous employment, this is a fantastic opportunity to search for something new and exciting.
See Need a Job? Search these Databases
Infographic: 8 Ways to Deal with Job Loss During a Pandemic
6. Dedicate time to career development
Whether you are looking to continue in the same line of work or considering a different path, upskilling is a great way of increasing your employability whilst helping to prevent boredom during a time of self-isolation.
Depending on your industry, there are a variety of e-learning options suitable for different budgets. There may also be specific certifications in your industry which may be worth gaining now that you have time at your disposal.
Job hunting and learning can be draining. In between doing these activities, you want to keep yourself occupied rather than allowing yourself to become lazy or worse, worry about your current situation. Although the options are limited given current circumstances, you can make a difference in the community during this tough time.
If you currently do not have any coronavirus symptoms, in the UK, you can become an NHS volunteer. There are many volunteer opportunities available with the NHS which do not require any close encounters with others. From delivering medicines from pharmacies to making regular phone calls to those who have symptoms and are isolating at home. Many local areas and towns have also come together to create their own initiatives to support the vulnerable and unwell.
8. Seek help from a recruitment agency
Along with doing your own job searches, it is a good idea to sign up with a recruitment agency who specialises in placing people into roles within your industry. A skilled recruiter can sometimes have access to job opportunities which you’d never be able to uncover online and if you are looking as well, you’ll be doubling up on your search power. Getting help from a recruiter will also help ease some stress and anxiety too.
After exploring these 8 ways to deal with job loss during a pandemic, what can you add? Let’s hear from you. Leave your comments below.
