Grieving over a loss of job is expected especially when the economic situation in the country has not helped many after Covid.
In the course of my career as a Manager, one thing I try to do is weigh the consequences of letting someone go.
Some had to go because they are all shades of Toxin, some because of what I later understood as Management Economic Decision [MED], some because they were grossly incompetent while some on grounds of many offences committed that could damage the image of the organisation.
Their reaction came in diverse ways. I remembered sharing how one gave me a cold shoulder last year after seeing me 7 years later, one snubbed me when I tried to say hello, some blocked my ‘sorry ass’ on social media, some reported me to those who know me and some even went as far as using some social media accounts to call for my head and demanded that my employment must also be terminated. Boy! I can never forget even when I have forgiven. Trust me, I learnt from all of these.
Apart from getting laid off from work, some were forced to resign due to circumstances beyond their control.
Over time, I have changed jobs and my experiences were priceless.
I suddenly found out that 90% of my supposed friends then were actually colleagues and acquaintances. They all stopped seeing me after some time. Then my phone calls reduced by 90%, I will go check whether my phone was working because they no longer ring. Those I have easy access to became difficult to reach because I was no longer useful to them. I suddenly found out I had no life outside office. I built everything around the office, a price I still pay for.
I shut down, Aisha, Bukky, and Temi stood and insisted that life must go on. They were younger, they followed me when I left my job, they believed in me and encouraged me to move on. I left for UK and stayed 2 weeks to clear my head. Yinka was always giving me a treat and at the same time talking to me.
By the time I came back, I had a plan, I was going to stay in the media no matter what and I was going to stay relevant.
Did I tell you that 4 super sisters in the media supported me, Mrs Tosin Dokpesi, Namure Edoimioya, Rita Eghujovbo and Matilda Duncan. They left their doors opened.
I am sharing this with you to let you know that it is ok to grief when you lose your job but don’t stay down there,
Overcoming the grief of a job loss.
Losing a job puts you under a lot of stress especially when you don’t have much finance and you have some responsibility to take care of. The thought alone is capable of affecting one’s mental health when you discover that you are a lone. This is the period many needs the support of their family and friends.
- When you lose a job, the first thing is to put yourself in the mood of vacation. Just assume you are on your leave and calm down.
- Take a stock of what you have and plan your finance for the next 6months at least. This a period to really be prudent with finance so that you will not become a debtor.
- Do a self check of your qualification and your skills. What field are you likely to apply for another employment? What business can you embark on as alternative stream while you search to land your dream job/ what are you passionate about? Can it be converted to profit for you?
- While you job hunt, don’t forget to go out and socialise. Staying on your own could lead to further depression. If your mental health is challenged, seek for help.
- Determine in your mind that come what may, you will succeed. You will overcome. Power of positivity work wonders. Do your best and let providence judge you.
- Don’t ever forget that it is ok to grief, don’t wallow in it for too long.
- Best wishes.