Losing your job is no fun. It comes with a mix of emotions. In fact, studies show you will go through a full cycle of grief when you lose a job. This includes: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and, finally acceptance. So how do you avoid getting stuck in one stage of the cycle? How do you keep your groove when you lose your job?
1) Breathe (and cry if necessary): Tears may come and, if they do, it is best that you don't try to stuff them.
Delaying your grieving process may leave you stuck. Take deep breaths and cry as much as you need to, alone or with friends. Just let it out.
2) Give yourself a vacation day: Drive somewhere. Take a hike. Go to the lake, river, or beach if there is one near you.
Figure out what element grounds you and get out of the house. If possible, go with friends who can give you perspective on your situation.
3) Get into action: Use an app like Wunderlist to start making a list of what you need to do. Don't take action yet, just list things out. Put them in order and, once you have a day to examine your list, get into action.
Getting into action will help you through the inevitable stage of depression.
4) Know what your money situation is: Unless you are a trust fund baby, and few of us are, losing your job is going to hurt your wallet. Start an spreadsheet and write down all your expenses and assets.
When you get an idea of where you are, you will have a better picture on what you need to do to thrive.
5) Be gentle with yourself: Rome wasn't built in a day. Your new life won't transform in a day, either. Chaos precedes change and, when you lose your job, you are in for a big shift. Don't expect everything to happen over night.
Just take baby steps and soon you will realize that you have kept your groove and you are on your way to a better future.