Surviving unemployment due to COVID-19

unemployed covid 19

Have you found yourself unemployed due to COVID? Follow the tips below from Sydney Career Coach, Tina Monk, on how to survive job loss during 2020.

Did you know, according to the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia is witnessing the highest level of unemployment rate since November 1998? The unemployment rate went up from 7.4% in June to 7.5% in July. For the first time in recorded history, the number of people actively looking for a job in Australia surpassed 1 million.

The COVID-19 crisis has come unannounced and wreaked havoc on millions of lives across the globe. The economic fallout has been severe, and so is the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. Most of us know of someone close who has been temporarily laid off, is receiving some sort of government support or has permanently lost their jobs. Add to that the uncertain times and anxiety-provoking circumstances of social distancing and isolation, and it’s easy to feel the world is coming to an end.

Processing job loss

If you have recently lost your job, been laid off or receiving government support, you may be struggling to keep your spirits up. You may be feeling stressed, hopeless and experiencing a loss of self-esteem. Worries of finding a new job, unstable finances, inability to afford adequate healthcare, the well-being of your family and dwindling security might cloud your mind. While it is natural to go through these rollercoasters of emotions, it is also important to process these feelings with care and accept the situation.

Here are some ways that can help you cope with the loss of losing a job:

It’s okay to grieve losing a job

Some psychologists equate losing a job with losing a loved one. The grief is as traumatic and devastating. Your emotional trajectory can include any of the stages of grief – shock, denial, anger, bargaining to eventually hope and acceptance. It isn’t healthy to brush your feelings under the carpet or avoid confronting them. Recognise these feelings but do not indulge in self-pity, give yourself time to heal and move on.

Maintaining equilibrium

After a loss, try to identify the elements of a situation that are in your control and ones that aren’t. It will help you calm your nerves and make you feel less jittery. For example, you cannot influence the job market or the pandemic, but you can manage your emotions and reactions to it. If you are worried about your finances, look at any government compensation programs or major charities that can assist you. You could also try one of the budgeting organisations that help you get on top of your finances. CentreLink also offer some help here.

Have a schedule

It’s very easy not to feel any sense of purpose in such trying times. ‘No office, what is the point of getting out of bed?’ But, studies have proved that having a daily routine can help you steer clear of depression and regulate your mood. When your mind is occupied with ‘things to do’ you don’t get enough time to wallow in self-pity. When there is a sense of structure and normalcy, you feel much better.

Get and stay in touch with your close ones

When you are down in the dumps, and nothing in your life seems to be going right, it is natural to feel the urge to just withdraw into your shell. But, don’t underestimate the power of warm interactions with your family and loved ones. Having someone you can share your innermost feelings with is crucial at such a difficult time in your life. They don’t have to offer you any solutions, just do a good job of listening. That will help you feel better through these testing times.

Practice mindfulness

The stress of losing a job can make you more vulnerable to mental health problems. Don’t let negative emotions get the best of you. It’s essential to take care of your mental well-being by doing things that relax you. You can maintain a journal and jot down your achievements and action plan to boost your confidence. Practising positive affirmations like ‘I will overcome this’ or ‘My job loss does not define me, and I will bounce back’ can help you stay focused on the positives.

Relaxation strategies such as mindfulness can be valuable; just scan your body and take a few deep breaths to bring yourself into the present.

Get career advise after job loss

If you have lost your job in this pandemic, remember while you cannot control the situation, you can work on yourself to stay positive and come out of this stronger. If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, hopelessness or a loss of purpose, you don’t have to do it alone. We at Sydney Career Coaching can help you process your feelings and improve your emotional well-being. We work with you on overcoming any fears you may have and bring the confidence back in your life with positive actions. Our life coaching skills have transformed the lives of many, and you could benefit from it too.

Complimentary career coaching introduction

For those who are actively looking for jobs, we have job search strategies to share with you at discounted rates.

Take advantage of our complimentary career coaching session to determine whether coaching is for you.  We provide career coaching advice throughout Australia remotely, over the telephone and in person at Neutral Bay on Sydney’s North Shore..

CONTACT US

sydney career coaching

Tina Monk, Executive Coach Sydney

Sydney executive coach and career advisor, Tina Monk’s education and professional development has focused mostly on how to understand people and bring out the best in them. Tina has been offering executive coaching services for 20 years and continues to develop as a career advisor. Her approach is said to be caring with a bit of  ‘tough love’ thrown in!  Call or text Tina directly at 0413 000 010.

During these challenging times, we don’t need more fear, we need more hope and support.  If you are afraid of losing your job or have lost it, Tina can help you to future proof your career or help with your job search.  She can work with you remotely and is offering discounts on her fees during this time.