Growth through loss!
““Success is not final. Failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill ”
During this time of living through a global pandemic, one of the results have been loss of job. This type of loss can be very difficult. So how can you grow and transition if you’ve been a victim of job loss?
I decided to do some digging on the topic and landed on the stages of grief!
Admittedly, one might not immediately associate grief with transition. But, let's take a moment to discuss how there is a huge connection.
I'll be taking a majority of my information from the article. "Psychology of Job Change"
"Every loss—whether from the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or having been the victim of theft—tends to set off a natural process of emotions. The late psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., identified five normal stages of loss:
Denial: With a response such as, “This can’t be true or isn’t fair,” and a sense of emotional numbness or disbelief about your circumstances or job loss.
Anger: Toward a company or co-workers who kept their jobs. Loss of control can foster feelings of anger.
Bargaining: “If I do "XYZ", God will rescue me” or rationalizing “I didn’t want that job anyway”.
Depression: Missing the routine of work and friendship of co-workers—when the (job) loss hits home even if you were unhappy there.
Acceptance: Beginning to think about future opportunities—making an action plan, and moving forward."
Not just when dealing with a job loss can one experience these emotions. Any type of career change can bring about a feeling of loss of identity.
The article spoke about the trauma that comes from changing careers. Our career is a way to identify ourselves. If there is any type of crisis or change going on within our career, this can lead to frustration, confusion, and doubt.
One of the stages of grief that seems to be the strongest visible one is that of anger. Notice what the article says about that.
"Anger may show up during transition. Anger is actually a secondary feeling following a primary underlying emotion, Consider whether the emotion preceding your anger was (1) loss of pride or self-esteem,(2) fear/uncertainty, (3) pain/hurt feelings, or (4) shock. One reason “anger” occurs is because it is easier to deal with than the root feeling; an angry person feels powerful but a hurt or scared person feels weak or even helpless."
Yes, anger is the mask easiest to wear when dealing with deeper emotions, but how do we cope with these emotions? How can we move forward?
Grief is specific and personal. Meaning, each individual will handle it differently. There are a few tips that have proven successful in coping with loss in any form.
1. Writing down your thoughts and feelings
2. Having a strong network and support system
3. Getting Counseling
4. Empowering yourself with knowledge
5. Getting balanced rest and relaxation
6. Exercising
7. Fulfilling your spiritual need
8. Helping someone else
9. Reinventing yourself
10.Talking about your feelings with a trusted friend.
During this emotional process you will come across many truths. Some will be disappointing. Allowing yourself to grieve is key to getting to acceptance.
Recap
The loss of self-identity is traumatic, but it doesn't have to be the end of you. See it as the beginning of a beautiful relationship with yourself, leading to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
"People in career transition, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, are undergoing personal growth pains in order to create
future opportunities."
