Losing a job can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. Known to cause high stress levels and extreme self-doubt, being let go from your job leaves a lasting impact. At Lighting the Way, I understand the many types of loss and the complexities of navigating through your grief journey. I’m committed to helping individuals in Colorado Springs learn to use their grief as a way to build themselves up and make themselves stronger. With my help and support, I hope to guide you through your grief journey and help you find the joys in life again. 

While associating grief with the loss of a job may not be your first thought, any loss, life change, or extreme amount of stress can result in grief. Losing a job happens to result in all three. Moving on from a loss of job requires that the grief is felt so that closure can be found.   

How To Cope After An Unexpected Job Loss 

Moving forward after losing your job can often feel confusing and uncertain. In order to move forward, first you must allow yourself to grieve. While some believe in the stages of grief, there really is no right way to grieve. No matter what your grief journey looks like, here are some practices to help you find the light along the way.  

• Accept The Grief

The first step to finding healing and hope after losing your job is to accept you are grieving. Job loss is a traumatic event no one walks away from unscathed. It’s important to remember that what you are feeling is completely normal. While grief is often seen as a negative, it is actually our mind’s way of finding healing. It’s acceptable and healthy to allow yourself to grieve, no matter what your grieving process looks like.

• Recognize The Loss

Whether you adored your job or dreaded the sound of your alarm clock every morning, losing your job leaves a gap in your life. Our jobs are often intertwined with our self-identity and worth, so to be without one can result in feeling lost and unmotivated. Recognize the loss of the job, not the loss of your worth. Our jobs are simply that: a job. Who we are is so much more than what we do to earn money. 

• Give Yourself Permission to Feel 

It’s common to experience a whirlwind of emotions after the loss of a job. From worry and fear to anger and frustration, and perhaps even relief, give yourself permission to feel each emotion. Eventually, after the initial shock, you will most likely adapt a more consistent feeling towards your job loss. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Whether you feel anxious, frustrated or sad, these are all normal emotions to feel when grieving.  

• Let Go of Regret  

When reflecting back on the loss of a job, it can be easy to begin to regret what you wish you did or didn’t do. While processing the loss of your job is healthy, try to look at the situation from a perspective of acceptance rather than regret. What has happened in the past can’t be changed, all that can be done is to move forward without carrying the burden of regret.  

• Begin Again 

While unexpectedly losing a job is never an easy situation, it can be used as an opportunity to explore old and new passions, spend time with loved ones and enjoy some rest. Be patient with yourself, especially if your grieving journey doesn’t look how you expected. By allowing yourself the time and space to grieve, you will be able to set your sights on a prosperous future. There will be new job opportunities to take advantage of and an invitation to begin again.  

Find Hope With Lighting The Way After Losing A Job 

Grieving the loss of a job can be a hard journey to navigate. In a time of self-doubt and large amounts of stress, finding hope may feel impossible. At Lighting the Way, I understand grief can be suffocating and overwhelming, especially when not properly dealt with. As a grief coach in Colorado Springs, I am passionate about helping you find your way through grief so you can find the light in life again. Remember, losing your job is just a small bump in the road. If you’ve recently lost your job, or want to learn more about how I can support you throughout your grief journey, please contact me today.