A wave of layoffs have been sweeping the U.S. over the past year, especially within the technology sector. In 2022 alone, there were 15.4 million layoffs, according to Zippia. If you’ve been laid off, you’re not alone. About 40% of Americans have been laid off from a job at least once.
While being let go from a job can feel personal, it’s often not about you and your skills, but instead about the company’s finances, the economy, or the organization’s need to restructure. However, being let go from a job can still have a huge impact on your wellbeing. Your daily routine will suddenly change, your financial wellness will be disrupted, and your health insurance coverage may shift.
That’s why it’s important to take extra care of your mental wellbeing after being laid off. Build a self-care routine that helps you check-in with your emotions, do activities that bring you joy, and take steps to prepare for the future job hunt.
After being let go from a job, some may feel that they have to work long hours endlessly hunting for jobs. This anxiety is normal to feel, but it’s important that you take time for yourself rather than launching immediately and exclusively into a job hunt. This doesn’t mean you can’t look for jobs; just balance your goals with building in time for things that bring you happiness.
Some people after being laid off want to take time exclusively to relax and explore activities or geographies they normally couldn’t during a structured, 40-hour work week. That could look like a vacation, taking on a new hobby, reconnecting with friends and family, or being more involved in your kids’ lives. If you have the financial ability to do so, this can be a great way to make the most of your new free time, as well as help you decompress from the stresses of work culture. Doing this can also help you reevaluate what things in life are important to you, and may help you rethink what you want your next career move to look like.
If you’re in need of structure, make a calendar for your week to help you balance your priorities. Perhaps you are able to decide that you want to spend three days a week job hunting and four days a week pursuing activities that bring you relaxation and joy. If you’re unsure of what hobbies can help you find happiness, that’s ok too! This can be a time to explore new things, from taking local hikes to cooking new meals, to learning a new language.
Losing a job can rank among one of the most stressful life experiences, and recovering mentally can take years, Harvard Business Review reports. Maintaining your physical health is critical to maintaining your mental health. Exercise daily, eat nutritious foods, talk to and plan activities regularly with friends and family, and practice mindfulness and gratitude. All of these things will help you stay healthy and connected to the people in your life.
If you’re struggling, reach out to your support network, and seek professional help. You can also ask friends or family to connect you with a mental health therapist if you’re feeling especially overwhelmed.
To help you maintain financial wellness, map out how much money you have in savings and compare this with your household spending each month. This can help you set timelines for finding your next job.
This can be a good time to consider whether you’d like to remain in your current career or find something that helps you meet other goals, whether that’s seeking out a better work-life balance, finding a mission-driven organization that aligns with your values, or securing a better-paying role to meet your financial goals.
Set aside time to talk with people in your network to learn what opportunities might be best for you. If you want more time to consider, you can always find a temporary position while you explore long-term opportunities. Remember, while layoffs can mean the end of one chapter of your life, you are just beginning a new chapter that will bring you limitless possibilities for your future.
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