Surviving Unemployment: Part I

Perhaps you saw the handwriting on the wall for weeks or months and knew this day was coming. 

Or you were clueless when you were asked into a meeting and told your services were no longer required.
 

Despite the amount of advance warning you are still the one sitting in a chair trying to remain cool when others are turning your life upside down.

No matter how consolatory the words “I’m sure with your talents you will have no problem finding a job” they do little to quiet the building scream inside your brain…  “I don’t have a job!”

For most of us that is when auto pilot hits. You still have the ability to walk and talk and even shake hands with your now former co-worker(s).
 

You walk past numerous sets of curious eyes back to your desk, cubicle or office trying to appear as if all is normal. This can be almost impossible, especially if you are also escorted by HR  to find boxes waiting for you to pack away months or years of accumulated mementos.

It is hard not to feel like a criminal.
 
In your car, on the train or bus the emotions hit in the form of tears, cold shivers or piercing shards of rage.

Suddenly, you realize in less than an hour your life has changed drastically. 

Some have fantasized about marching back in while screaming obscenities or threats of retaliation.
 

This is never a good idea. While it might be a totally freeing moment, the ultimate lasting impression would be of a crazed and spittle spewing person. You might need some of these former co-workers as future references.

If there is any comfort at  the moment, others of us have been here before and sometimes more than once or even twice.

You will survive unemployment.

Bank on it!

See above for Part II
 

© 2013 Linda J. Bottjer