How Layoffs Affect Your Mental Health And 7 Tips On How To Cope

“I got fired last year,” Susan told me. “I didn’t announce it broadly, and it was a lot to process, but I’ve decided to make a big change. . . to do what i said i would NEVER do. I joined a startup to learn how to face the unknown and be part of a small team with a BIG vision. The silver lining to what felt like a dark cloud. There is hope. Yes, be sad for a moment, but then remember that you are awesome! Then use your skills and your network.”
The luck has turned
With over 70,000 tech layoffs at big tech companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta, the power shifts once again between employers and employees. A survey by Insight Global suggests the ball may end up in employers’ courts, as nine in 10 managers in the US say they would likely lay off employees in the event of a recession. And with employees growing concerned about their jobs, 54% are more willing to take a pay cut to avoid potential layoffs, the survey found.
Since the beginning of the new year, there have been almost 60,000 layoffs in the tech industry alone. The daily increase in mass layoffs lengthens the list of companies shedding workers. And statistics show that nearly 47% of employed Americans admit they are unprepared for a layoff. “It is unfortunate that some companies are already resorting to mass layoffs because I believe layoffs should be the very last resort,” said Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global. “Instead, I encourage leaders to consider other solutions, such as B. Creating a plan that avoids layoffs and helps you grow through a recession. Get your employee base to implement this because when you are recovering from a recession you need your employees more than ever… I realize not all leaders have the will, but if you do, you will You’ll be shocked and amazed by the performance of your employees when they feel that kind of security and loyalty,” explains Bean.
Tips for post-release care
Layoffs are scary. They crowd us out physically, mentally, and financially. So the question is, what do you do when this happens to you? At first, the first reaction is just chaos and confusion. Next comes the Google search of How to deal with layoffs And Jobs near me. “When and if you are unexpectedly fired from work, it’s reasonable that you experience negative mental health effects, including depression, shame, fear of the future, low self-esteem and lack of motivation,” says Courtney Coping of BetterHelp. “Also, unless you were able to save up an emergency fund for such an occasion, being laid off can lead to housing instability and food insecurity, if you’re also unable to pay your rent or support your family while you’re after.” find another job.” Cope offers four things you can do to take care of yourself:
- Give yourself permission to be angry, but with timed limits. Set aside a defined amount of time (72 hours, 1 week, etc.) to wallow in the deep feelings you might be feeling—those feelings deserve to be acknowledged—but don’t let them rule the show. It is important to take steps soon to stabilize your future.
- take action. Whatever you do, keep moving in one area or another of your life. Keep exercising daily, stick with a hobby you recently started, or get up and go to networking events and keep meeting people. Just keep putting things on your schedule and remembering that there is a life worth living beyond this current and immediate situation.
- Ask for help. Choose to talk to colleagues who may have been through something similar, or talk to colleagues who are familiar with your industry or have similar skillset about how they’ve been able to find jobs quickly in the past. Be purposeful about who you confide in and seek advice.
- Consider online therapy. It’s a great way to access help quickly, easily, and affordably. Many licensed therapists are also trained in career counseling and can help you create a basic game plan for how to find your next job, update your resume, and network. From an economic point of view, online therapy is generally affordable and you save on transportation costs by attending therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Michelle English, Clinical Director of Healthy Life Recovery, believes it is important to maintain a healthy mindset after discharge. She shares three tips for staying the course. “The first step to changing the way you think is to start looking for new jobs, don’t give yourself much time to linger, and put your energy into the optimism of a new opportunity,” suggests English. “Secondly, revise your resume and write everything on your achievements and skills. Don’t forget that you are a qualified, intelligent and desirable employee. A revised resume will help you imprint that confidence in your mind. My final tip is to have a schedule for applying to new jobs/networks. This can easily become overwhelming and result in prolonged unemployment. A schedule could include an hour each day or five new opportunities each day, adjust the numbers as you are comfortable!
you are not alone
Susan is not alone, nor are you. If you are personally affected by a termination, you too could experience a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is important to realize that you are not alone and that you are in a temporary state. With her feelings fresh in her mind, Susan shared with me her personal four-point plan. If you’re not personally affected by the recent layoffs, Susan asks you to share these four points with someone who:
- Make a list of the contributions you’ve made and are proud of. Susan says it helps build a more positive self-image and identify what you’re most passionate about.
- Make a list of what you’ve learned about the environments you excel in and what doesn’t work for you to explore the right opportunities.
- Take time to reflect, educate yourself, and look for opportunities to invest in yourself — like learning a new skill, volunteering in the community, or meeting people close to you who support and value you.
- Remember, YOU are capable, talented, and equipped for another opportunity in the right organization that prioritizes your growth and well-being.
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