Losing a job can feel like one of the biggest blows in life. It’s a blow to your identity….to your security…to your dignity. But right now, in this strange and uncertain roller coaster ride of the pandemic, getting ‘let go’ or fired from a job is a blow that many can relate to. If this is you my friend, you are not alone.
So how do you bounce back?
First, let the people who love you into your struggle. Since getting let go or fired often strikes the biggest blow to the ego first, it is easy to withdraw and isolate ourselves from the people around us. It is too painful to admit we are hurting and we’d rather cope alone–or with a line-up of our favorite Netflix series. But God reiterates to His people throughout Scripture that he opposes the proud, and He gives grace to the humble (see James 4:6). Don’t miss this opportunity to receive God’s supernatural grace through this super difficult time.
Second, remember the words associated with the ancient Greek philosopher,
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Epictetus
It may sound cliche, but it has a ring of truth to it. You can choose to remain in the victim mentality and do nothing. Or you can choose to regain a position of empowerment and optimism by taking active steps towards changing your situation. Here are some tips to get you on track to bouncing back:
- Update your resume and online platforms with current information.
- Inform your network of friends and family you are looking for work and in what field so they can let you know if they are aware of any opportunities.
- Seek advice and support from a trusted mentor and be encouraged by hearing their similar experiences of bouncing back from setbacks.
- Set mini-goals for yourself so you can be energized by the feeling of accomplishment, such as joining a new networking site to drum up new leads.
- Ask the people closest to you to be praying specifically for your needs and in ways you are needing a breakthrough.
Bouncing back may feel impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). It may take time and it may not go exactly according to your own plan, but remember that our God of all grace, “…after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10). If that doesn’t sound like a promise for bouncing back from hardship, I don’t know what is.