I was fired from my job last week. I packed up my desk and drove straight to my Toastmasters meeting. My fellow members were surprised to see me considering I was just fired. “What am I going to do,” I asked them, “go home and mope?” No, truly there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than in the company of my one of my greatest support groups- my Toastmasters club. We had a great Toastmasters meeting, and I was in good spirits the rest of the evening.

I’ll admit, I did wonder what would happen the next day. Would I be wracked with self-doubt? Would I fall into a depression? Would I lay in bed in my pajamas and not get up? None of those things happened, and I continue to be in good spirits. I’m excited for my next opportunity! I’m hopeful, and encouraged, and motivated!

How did this happen? How did I become a high functioning adult that doesn’t let other people’s actions bring me down? How did I become someone that doesn’t need other people’s approval? How did I become a strong, confident woman that believes in myself?  But wait- isn’t that’s what this blog is all about? It is!

I’ve been working on becoming happy, healthy, and balanced in my life and I’ve come so far. What a wonderful accomplishment! I’m not yet finished become the person I want to be; for certain it is a lifelong journey. I am happy to say I’ve made great progress.

I want to acknowledge this achievement and share some the wisdom that got me here.

How to overcome job loss

Photo by Ryan

Keep it in perspective

Loosing a job is one of the most stressful situations that will happen to you, but everyone I know has experienced it and we all moved on to other professional opportunities. Job loss is temporary.

Be kind to yourself

You’ve got nothing to gain by beating yourself up. Give yourself a break! Be kind to yourself.

Get the support you need

Lean on your support system. Let your friends and family help you- we all need help sometimes.

Learn the lessons you need to learn

Every experience in life is a learning opportunity, and it’s the most difficult situations that provide the most growth. Be open to learning the lessons you need to learn. There is power in facing your mistakes and moving on.

Own your part, but only your part

I’ve fired employees and I’ve been fired- there is fault on both sides. Let’s face it, when an employee gets fired there’s a lack of leadership on some level.

Take advantage of resources available to you

Always file for unemployment, even if you were fired. The state department of labor makes a determination on your eligibility based on your statement and a statement from your former employer. The department of labor is impartial- let them make the decision on your eligibility.

Even if you don’t qualify for unemployment, there are often resources available for job seekers through your local workforce center- use them!

Be of service to others

Whatever happened at your job, you have skills and experience to offer. Look for opportunities to work through volunteering, helping an elderly neighbor with physical tasks, or other community involvement.

Let go

You can’t change the past, and if you hold on it will drag you down. Let go.