Kathy Bowersox: Re-Igniting Your Life After Job Loss

Adapt to the Change & Adjust Your Attitude & Your Behavior!

"The most drastic and usually the most effective remedy for fear is direct action." - William Burnham
In previous segments of this series, I discussed initial reactions to job loss and how to deal with those, as well as changing our thoughts to change our feelings and behaviors, which will help us develop more positive attitudes. In the conclusion, I’ll present some specific ways to adjust your behavior and take action to re-ignite your life after job loss.

One way to begin feeling better and moving forward is to engage in positive activities that will improve your outlook. Begin with some self examination to determine what your strengths are, what your passions are, what your values are, what you really enjoy. Discover who you are, not only in a career sense, but in an overall sense. Take a good look at what is important to you. Then you can begin clarifying your career goals and mapping out a plan for beginning your job search.
Another strategy for improving your attitude and outlook is to list your accomplishments in life, not only your career achievements, but also achievements in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. This is an excellent exercise in feeling good about yourself and creating a positive attitude.
Finally, examine setbacks you have experienced in the past and determine how you got through them. Think about the steps you took then and begin implementing some of those same strategies now.

Develop a plan of action. Determine what you want to do next in your career. Then start determining target companies, create a plan for how you will reach them, and begin taking steps today to achieve your goals.

When you develop a plan of action and put it into motion, you will see results. Only you can chart your course through this journey of life and you will determine the outcome of the events you experience through the choices you make and the attitudes you adopt. Choose to honor your feelings, determine a productive attitude, and engage in fruitful behavior in a positive manner and your career transition will be successful. Dealing with change is not always easy, and for some it is extremely difficult. But if you choose to let the past go, concentrate on the future and the opportunities ahead of you, you can successfully manage any change you experience along your journey.

The truth of the matter is, no one is really prepared for losing a job and it is a stressful event. However, once you take the time to recognize and honor your feelings about the loss, you can begin to work toward creating a rewarding and successful career future. Remember that this is a temporary situation and you can rebound from this setback with determination and a positive attitude. Dealing with and overcoming the obstacle of losing your job can help you gain a sense of confidence that you can meet any challenges you experience in this life. You must remain positive. In the end things will improve and, possibly, be even better in the long run. Take charge of your career future and use the power within you to find your next opportunity and re-ignite your career and life!

©Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching, www.QuantumLeapSuccessCoach.com - Additional information: kasox@comcast.net. Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full: Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC. All rights reserved.