Yes, I realize this statement may not be what you want to hear if you’re in the throes of depression after losing your job. Sometimes it’s hard to see the silver lining immediately after a layoff, and you just have to go through the stages of acceptance, much like the stages of grief. If you do find that there’s a small part of you ready to move on and make some changes, then this is a great time to let you know that losing your job can be the best thing that ever happens to you. Here’s how you need to look at it:
Find out now: How should I save for retirement?
You’re Not a Bad Employee
This is not a statement of indignation, but more of one that lends itself to acceptance. Just because you were fired or laid off, it doesn’t therefore mean you’re a bad employee. Sometimes it doesn’t even mean anything about you or your work ethic at all. If losing your job was because of something you directly did, it doesn’t mean you would do it again in a different job under different circumstances. Everyone deserves a second chance. And with regard to layoffs, it may not have anything to do you with at all.
Don’t Let This Loss Define You
No matter the reason for losing your job, you can’t let the experience define you. You should go through the stages of grief, anger and reflection, but when that’s finished, you have to accept that a job loss isn’t your life story. You have a lot more to offer, and someone just needs to give you the opportunity to show it off. And ultimately, you can’t change this. Holding on to the anger and depression does nothing to change your circumstances, and it certainly won’t allow your best qualities to shine through for your next career opportunity.
Use the Opportunity to Try Something New
You can turn your situation into something far better than what you had before. Maybe your job was keeping you stuck and not allowing you to access your full potential or true passion. Maybe there are other career paths you’d like to explore that you had never thought possible. It might even be the right time to head back to school and explore something new. Investing in further education can lead to new opportunities and come out a happier person than you ever thought.
Losing your job can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. It by no means, however, defines you as a person or employee, and it certainly doesn’t speak to your true potential.
Photo credit: flickr
