March 27, 2003 News Releases
Released 3/26/03
SURVIVAL
STRATEGIES FOR LOSS OF A JOB
LOGAN — A job loss is something most people don’t
anticipate. And yet layoffs are rippling across the country
with devastating consequences.
There are, however, emotional and practical survival strategies
for those faced with a layoff.
The shock of losing one’s job is worse for some than for
others, said Mary Doty, director of the Counseling Center at
Utah State University.
“People like to think of the world as a safe place,”
she said. “When you lose your job, it no longer feels
safe. People often feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. For some
people, it’s the loss of a job. For others, it’s
loss of a professional identity or career. And losing your job
feels very primal because it’s connected to survival.
Buying food and paying for the roof over your head is about
survival.”
There are two phases of grieving, according to Doty. Faced with
loss, individuals may initially feel numb. Then, there is a
need to feel the loss.
“When your world has been shaken up, it’s OK to
acknowledge, ‘This hurts me. This is hard,’”
she said. “It’s difficult for people who are overly
contained to express their emotions, but grieving is incomplete
without that process.”
Doty urged individuals to talk to friends or family, or to write
about their feelings, and to realize there is no quick fix for
pain. “Grieving has to run its course, and one may need
to express their feelings repeatedly for a while, until it’s
time to move on,” she said.
Fellow counselor Mark Nafziger agreed. “If people aren’t
dealing with the emotional aspect, they can’t get to the
problem-solving aspect,” he said.
Sometimes people can’t eat, Nafziger said. They can’t
sleep. They don’t take care of themselves and get worn
down physically. They lose confidence.
Some individuals will react with hostility, Doty said. It’s
not an unusual response to a threat. Individuals can get stuck
in the anger and it will end up hurting them, she cautioned.
“Anger is one of many behavior patterns that can lead
to serious depression,” Doty said. “Anger chemicals
running around in your system are toxic, but anger can energize
you if you use it in a productive way.”
“If you’re struggling emotionally, it’s good
to go and talk to someone,” said Nafziger. “A good
friend or family member can be very helpful. Professional counselors
can assist with ongoing, serious problems.”
It’s important to be realistic, Doty said. “There
are pros and cons in every situation,” she said. “Stay
positive. Remember the things you have control over. Even in
the most difficult times, it’s important to laugh, to
remember what’s really important. Reevaluate your goals
and priorities.”
For many people, their job is how they see themselves, said
Doty. “It’s important to ask, where do I go from
here? It’s important to maintain elasticity so you can
tolerate change.
“There are many things in life we have control over, but
there are many things we don’t,” she said. “It’s
our life, but we don’t always get a vote.
“People put energy into trying to fix things they can’t
change,” Doty said. “If there’s a layoff in
your office, don’t get caught up in feeling victimized
and targeted. Right now, most layoffs are ‘position’
cuts, not ‘people’ cuts. This is not your fault
or anyone’s fault. This is a consequence of difficult
economic times.”
When people get frightened, their brain doesn’t work as
productively, Doty said. They go into panic mode. Some people
haven’t put together a resume in 15 years, and pounding
the pavement is tough.
“Don’t panic,” Doty cautioned. “There
are jobs out there. It may take awhile to find the right position.
Be practical and flexible.”
She advised individuals to find resources, to obtain career
counseling or take an interest inventory, to upgrade computer
and professional skills, and to network with people for advice
and leads.
“Present yourself as vibrant and exciting, with the experience
or maturity to back it up,” Doty said. “People in
our culture have a hard time marketing themselves. Self-modesty
is valued in many cultures. But you need to tell the truth about
what you do well, to highlight your strengths.
“You have to take charge. Own the problem. Don’t
wait for rescue, for someone to be nice to you. Act on your
own behalf.
“Channel your energy into things you can control,”
Doty said. “When people feel helpless, it’s good
to be active. A lot of research indicates that passive people
don’t survive loss as well. This is essentially about
solving a problem. Individuals who mobilize see opportunities
in change. They always do better.”
There is a Chinese character for “crisis,” Doty
said. “It’s a combination of two characters —
danger, and opportunity.”
March 26, 2003
Writer: Nadene Steinhoff, 435-797-1429, nadene.Steinhoff@usu.edu
Contact: Mary Doty, 435-797-1012
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