Now you have lost your Job ... (part 1)

I have noticed that transitions are very constant in our career journey. In my almost two decades as a career woman, I have had a series of transitions, job changes, company changes, and managerial changes. I have had cases I left my job, I was relieved of my job and there was a mutual separation between my self and a company I worked for. The ones you are aware of, probably planned, and were deliberate about are much easier to deal with. The changes that hit you suddenly or just out of your control sometimes can be more stressful and tougher to manage.

There has been a lot of discussion on the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on economies, and businesses. We have seen most businesses close for the longest time, all at the same time globally. Nothing close to this in almost a century. The impact on the revenues, governmental income is unprecedented. Most organizations might not make it back after this crisis, those that do might seek to reduce their cost, stay lean to remain afloat. When it comes to cutting costs at such short notice, several organizations go for what is easiest and most pronounced; headcount. They lay off staff. What will be the impact on millions that might lose their jobs worldwide?

As I moved into a new company years ago, the whole transition process made me want to share a few of my experiences with handling these drastic changes as a result of a sudden job loss. I see that happening suddenly several people started the year in 2020 with a good job and by March it was gone. The loss, not a result of performance or what they can control. I was also propelled with many of the changes I see happening globally, the future of work, automation, and working from home. These might result in more organizations realizing that parts of the work can be outsourced or replaced by technology tools. This will throw a lot of folks in the workforce into transitions that might have been sudden and unplanned.

How do we as career people manage this?

Mourn: Yes, you need to mourn. It sounds strange but it can be therapeutic especially when it comes to emotionally going through the days ahead. If you liked the position, boss, or company and had to leave suddenly, I would say it’s okay to spend some days brooding over your loss. I would recommend eating Ice cream, calling friends and lamenting, watching any genre of movies that comfort you, or just plain crying at night. Whichever suits you, it’s okay just make sure you don’t spend more than a couple of days in this state. It’s all part of the process of losing something you cherished, were comfortable with, or just felt safe within.

Keep Your Routine: Now you are done with the grieving I suggest you go back to your routine the best way you can. In some cases, especially where you need to leave a company, a huge part of your daily routine might be disrupted especially if we considered the earlier changes we lived through this spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Look for some form of stability that can bring you into where you can start thinking about planning your future. I would say continue with the gym, if you were into exercise, attend church group, as usual, show up at your poetry or writers club, Support the kids with schoolwork or homework, etc. Keep yourself busy, it is important to know that you still have other parts of your life beyond your career to be grateful for.

Re-Evaluate your Finances: One of the biggest blows of losing your job suddenly is your finances. For some, there was never a backup plan or savings, while for others you might have something saved up. I suggest you look at your lifestyle and review your spending patterns. There are resources like Money Africa to help you with financial planning.

If you are not sure how long you will be job hunting or your new entrepreneurial process will take off; I suggest keeping to only key financial obligations: accommodation, food, and for those with kids’ then school fees. If you have a mortgage or loan, reach out to your bankers they may give a short repayment break to someone who has just lost their job. You might need to put a hold on other spending patterns like visits to the salons, shopping for clothes, eating out, and for pleasure... I’m sure you get it by now. we all lived without this during the global lockdowns as a result of the COVID-19 virus; if it is not a NEED you might have to strike it off your list.

 Evaluate how long your finances can take you without an incoming source of revenue. It gives you a goal to work towards getting a new job or entrepreneurial opportunity and generating revenue. If you find out you are in a worse state and can’t even go on for months, I suggest drastic measures, getting a temporary gig, selling some of your assets if needed, making plans of accessing your pensions.

Take time to Reflect: The positives with these kinds of transitions that they give you time to reflect. For someone who can afford it maybe spend a couple of weeks deliberately not searching for the next gig, job, or opportunity but rather trying to access your journey so far. Be kind to yourself, you are alive, and survived one of the unprecedented global crises we have ever experienced on this planet! Spend quiet time with yourself trying to understand your core strengths and weakness, what you actually value in life, what are your core values, what you would love to do if you have no obstacle in your way! (Please don’t say go on a never-ending vacation !!!) Check out Udemy's co-founder and former president Gagan Biyani piece on how he went through his job loss and being fired at Udemy.

This is an opportunity to re-calibrate and understand if you need to change course, adjust your sails, or just keep moving in the same direction. Organizations will try to adapt to this new normal, accept a lot of innovation used during this period and this might require new skills from the workforce. One thing I have come to appreciate with these reflective states is that you need to spend some time with yourself, meditating, praying, etc It has to be deliberate, a calculative move to think, this does not mean you need to spend the whole day thinking ( that can become extreme and depressing for me at least !). I recommend you consider ways you can bounce back from the job loss, here is a good read with ideas.

Have you ever been through such an experience, I would love to hear from you; comments and contributions are welcome. Watch out for part 2 of this article.

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 Jane Egerton-Idehen is a bestselling author, a telecommunication executive with over 17 years’ experience in the Nigerian, Liberian and Ghanaian telecommunications markets.

Jane has a strong passion for promoting girls in STEM and ensuring women in STEM industries remain and grow their careers in that industry. She curates her thoughts around her career journey, experiences, and passion in life. Join our conversation on our Facebook page @WomenNCareer and Check out video blog Women and Career on YouTube.