The final stage of loss is acceptance, which most people come to slowly. This is the stage when you begin to come to terms with what' s happened. Reaching a place of acceptance doesn' t have to mean you agree with the company' s actions—just that you' ve decided to move on with your life.
There is no right or wrong way to experience the stages of loss. Most people move in and out of them over time. For example, you may start sleeping more (or less), eating more (or less), and you may even find yourself remembering other losses. These reactions are normal. They can also serve as a reminder to treat yourself with compassion.
It may be hard to believe at first, but you can ultimately use this experience to your advantage—to find another, perhaps even better job;to strengthen your relationship with your family;and to make some much-needed changes in your life. Here are three essential steps:
Step 1
Get emotional support.
Because it' s easy to feel unsettled and vulnerable, reaching out to others is the key to making a smooth transition. You' ll need people who will listen and provide a safe haven for you to vent, cry, or express your tears and concerns. You can lean on a trusted friend, a fellow coworker in the same situation, or a sibling. In addition, you might want to join an online discussion group(see step 2 below) or a career support group at your church or community center. Your local unemployment offices can provide affordable resources near you.
Have this support in place before you take steps to secure your next position. Too often people bring their anger or bitterness into a job interview only to lose the opportunity and feel even more defeated.
Remember, your spouse and children will be dealing with their own anxiety about your job loss and may not be able to offer you the kind of support you need. You should also avoid turning to people who add to your stress level or criticize you. Instead, surround yourself with those who can make you feel hopeful and confident about this transition.