Mourning a Job Loss

A lot like the death of anything in someone's life... the death of a job or position is a process to internalize.

I recently experienced getting fired for the first time in my life. I've been let go before, downsizing or not making the cut after a probationary time but never fired... ouch!

This is the process I witnessed and experienced, whew... what a ride.

Day 1 - Total disbelief and denial, I'm a good employee.. I thought. How could this have happened? What could I have done differently? Was it me? Was it them? Were we just not a good fit? Stage one complete - Denial and Isolation.

Day 2 - Anger, how can I get even? I wanted to post everywhere about how they did me wrong. The things the company did that we're just not good practices and anything else I could drum up. Don't worry, I didn't. Stage two complete—Anger and Revenge.

Day 3 - Bargaining, with myself and others. Maybe if I did this or that, things would be different. Does anyone know anyone hiring? How can I fix it? Can I fix it? I did everything I could think of. I just needed to feel reassured that I would be able to make an income and my family wouldn't lose their home. Stage three complete - Bargaining to change the outcome.

Day 4 - Depression, this may not always fall in to this order and in all honesty there was a tad of depression the entire process. But by day four I had cried so much and felt so hopeless that I really didn't see a way out of it. Stage four - Depression (brutal stage).

Day 5 and beyond - Acceptance, this is my reality. Where do I go from here? What is the next step? What can I do, what do I want to do? How can I earn money? Stage 5 will never be complete. I have come to the realization that this is an ongoing stage and it should be!!

So from this point moving forward I will be discovering new things to try and passions to fill my heart, life and wallet. I don't really know where my path will lead. I don't know how this will end. But I know I went through something pivotal and I know I'm not alone.

As with any loss in life, there is a mourning process and it is so hard. But we are not alone on this journey. We have family, friends and even online communities for unbelievable support.

And... I WILL BE OK!!

This is not the end of my story, but only a new beginning.. wish me luck as I explore new options and opportunities—what an adventure!