Losing your job is never easy. The impact of COVID-19 has meant that many people have suddenly had their positions made redundant or are going through other difficult changes to their work.
SEEK’s Resident Psychologist Sabina Read says that due to the coronavirus, many people are experiencing loss and grief. “It’s absolutely normal to be grieving at the moment,” Read says. “You might have lost your job, been stood down, have reduced hours at work or be living on a reduced income. You might also be experiencing a loss of personal connection, autonomy and security. It’s really important to acknowledge the impact of that loss on your life.”
While we all experience job loss in different ways, there are some common emotions, thoughts, reactions and challenges related to it.
“It’s not unusual for people to experience strong emotions associated with grief, such as shock, denial, anger and hope,” Read says. “And these emotions come and go. You may feel shocked today, angry tomorrow and then in between you may feel fear for your future. But there are ways to cope with these feelings and the current challenge.”
Most of us like to have a sense of control and certainty about what will happen in the future. “I know many people are asking when COVID-19 will be over and when they will be able to work again,” Read says. “Sometimes asking those questions isn’t helpful because there aren’t definite answers. Those questions can actually create a deeper sense of insecurity and frustration with the situation.”
Instead, Read suggests that you:
Job loss can be really difficult no matter how it happens, and many people are experiencing it right now. But by trying some of these strategies you might find you’re more able to cope and get through this time ready for better things.