The First Hit

The First Hit: 

The First Hit is always the hardest. Hearing those words “We’re downsizing, we’re dissolving the position” or -my personal favorite “It's just not a fit”. These phrases are some of the harshest words you can hear in your professional career, and they can break you. 

You then nod (or in my case, cry) say your gratitudes and go back to your cubicle and pack up your belongings while your coworkers watch and whisper. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of doing this myself- it was humiliating and an awkward moment. I would leave, call my mom and sob in my car and ask “What's wrong with ME? Why can’t I keep a job? Why do I pick these shitty companies?” 

Losing a job is definitely a grieving process, going through the five steps of grief is normal for anyone whose never been through this journey before. This process is different for everyone and each of the five steps can vary in time and range of emotion. It's 100% normal to grieve over the loss of a job-it's a shitty feeling but it's not forever. 

I found that keeping myself busy has been the most beneficial, so I do not wallow on it for too long. Below are some tips to keep yourself grounded and going after you hear the news. 

• Let yourself feel

• Make a routine and stick to it-I find even doing the smallest routines are helpful and keep me from spiraling 

• Get out into nature-walks, meditating, and gardening help 

• Make a list of projects that need to be done at home or for yourself

• Learn a new craft or refresh your brain on something you are interested in. Udemy is the best place to find amazing courses that are fun and affordable.

• Gratitude journal-it takes 3 minutes to write down 3 things you are grateful for in the mornings.

An important thing to remember when you’re dealing with losing a job for the first time, is it takes time. The grieving process isn’t linear, and it is different for everyone. Getting professional help is by FAR the best step I have ever taken to grieve in losing a job, there are soooo many helpful avenues to talk to a professional about losing a job. 

Here are 7 wonderful and FREE platforms to use when you are struggling, these trained professionals are so easy to talk to and have helped others who have experienced unemployment.

The hit hurts, but it's only temporary. You got this.