How to Deal With Job Loss During Covid-19
Earlier this week, the Pew Research Group released a report that showed unemployment in the US soared past three million, a record-breaking number which far surpasses previous highs. This figure shatters the Great Recession crest of 665,000 of March 2009 and the previous record high of 695,000 in 1982, when the US Federal Reserve tried to tame inflation through its monetary policy. This figure does not include people who are self-employed, gig economy workers, or freelancers. Undocumented immigrants are also not factored in this staggering figure.
With increasing unemployment rates in both Ontario and New York, I have been reaching out to many candidates and clients to discuss the changes that they have experienced. Many of the people I have been speaking with have been unexpectedly laid off or furloughed and are often at a loss as to what to do and when.
Psychologists note that losing a job often equates to the grief of losing a loved one; the emotional trajectory can include any of the stages of grief, which run from shock and denial, through to anger and bargaining, and eventually to acceptance and hope. The last few months have been traumatic, not only in terms of loss of employment and added stress at home but also in a larger sense. The world has changed and nobody has been fully equipped to deal with the fallout. In a sense, many people are not only grieving the loss of a job but also the loss of a world that has now changed forever. Listening to people, I have found myself offering the same advice.
1) Recognize that this is a loss and you need to grieve.
Pointing out that people are experiencing a devastating loss essentially gives permission to feel. They can be more compassionate with themselves and allow themselves to feel what they feel without judgment or shame.
2) Know that most of this is out of your control
At the beginning of the pandemic, I felt deeply confused and un-moored. I have advised anybody who is reeling from a job loss to recognize the elements of their situation they can and cannot control – and focus on the former. Identifying immediate problems (like the need to reduce household expenditure for a period) and putting some fixes in place will help, along with acknowledging that – in the short term – things will be tough and changes will be needed.
3) Rest and reflect
Adam Benson, a New York-based psychologist in private practice for 20 years has said that taking the necessary time to process the change, rest, and reflect is hugely important. Both NYC and Toronto, have witnessed huge job losses, companies shuttered overnight paired with civil unrest and ongoing protests. People are grappling with a huge amount of chaotic change. The only way to process this is to be patient with yourself and take things slow. If you need a few weeks to spend with family and pause, do that. It will allow you to show up in a much more meaningful way when you are ready to search for a job again.
4) Abandon performative productivity
Now more than ever, we must abandon the performative and embrace the authentic. I have urged people to step away from social media, do not buy into the expectation that you should be constantly on, hustling, and hyper-productive. Our essential mental shifts require humility and patience. Focus on real internal change and allow yourself to step into a job search at your own pace.
5) Tackle the problem
When you feel ready, write out actionable steps on how to tackle the problem. I advise people to handle urgent things directly.
Apply for unemployment – Filing for unemployment may reduce your financial strain and allow you to focus on job applications.
Know what benefits you can claim - Figure out what you are entitled to and speak with HR to get clarity on what you can apply for and when.
Look for new job opportunities – Whether you search for a new full-time job, or you look for ways to make money in the “gig economy,” searching for work can help you feel better. It also allows you to speak about your experience, connecting with people who may have more in common with you than you think. Any action like this can be hugely soothing and offer connection.
Reach out to your network- message people on LinkedIn who you may have previously worked with, connected with at networking events, old colleagues, and managers. Try and arrange a zoom coffee to catch up. These conversations could possibly lead to something new.
Contact a trusted recruiter - explaining your situation, getting your resume in order, and strategizing with a recruiter who knows your area of specialism is hugely beneficial. You will be able to gain advice and chat about the current market. Good recruiters should be able to offer you market insights, hiring trends, and possible contract work available. From here you will be able to put together an action plan.
Search for helpful resources – Whether you want to talk to a career counselor, or you’re looking for help with paying your electric bill, there may be resources available. Seek these out and take help where it is available.
For all that is painful about losing a job, it forces change upon us. If you have recently been laid off, this may be the time to figure out where you will be happiest, what you love about your work, any changes that you may want to make in your own life.
At the end of the day, it may very well be a way to rethink what you want and what you truly value.
