What Happens When A Man Lose His Job (Part 2)
If you have not read “What Happens When a Man Lose His Job (Part 1)”, I would suggest that you read it before continuing; otherwise; the suggestions below will not make much sense.
Since a man’s job is such an important part of his life. “What can he do to minimize the negative affects of the lost of a job?”
I would like to suggest that he do the following: Reflect, Renew, Reassess, and Refocus.
Reflect:
Instead of focusing on the negative (in this case the lost of a job), focus on the positive. My career with Company “XZY” has ended, but I am thankful that I was able to work there “X” years and provide for my family. You can be more specific (i.e. “I was able to send my kids to college”, “I was able to pay off my mortgage.” etc.)
Also, try to avoid negative people. These may be in the form of former co-workers, friends, or family members. These individuals are focused on the negative only. They may say to you, “Man I can’t believe they did you like that, after all those years you had with that company.” “That is not right!!”
Why should these negative people be avoided? Their negative comments will cause you to waste time and energy sitting around and pondering about what “happened” to you. Also, it encourages a “victim” mindset, instead of helping you to move forward with your life. It will often result in anger and frustration about a door (or opportunity) that has closed in your life, instead of the doors that are open.
Renew:
Renew your mind. Read a book you have always wanted to read but couldn’t find the time. Go back to college and complete a degree you started or just take a class to enrich your life or retool your skill set. Take up a new hobby or spend more time doing something you enjoy.
It is important to do what I refer to as, “de-program” your mind. In other words, get the old job out of your mind to make room for your new opportunity. Depending on how long you were with your former employer, you have spent a lot of time focused on meeting the company’s goals and objectives. The focus now should be primarily on your goals and future plans.
I would like to recommend a couple books to read that will help you renew your mind. “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson and “Dare to Dream” by John C. Maxwell. Click the book titles in the Recommended Resources Section to order these books now!!
Reassess:
The lost of a job is a “transition” period in your life. It is a time to reassess where you are currently in your life compared to your long-term goals. Take a look at your current skills set and compare them to the market demands, it will let you know if you need to go back to college to complete that degree, pursue an advance degree or take some classes to retool your skills set.
Maybe you have always wanted to have your own business, determine if that is the right option for you during this season in your life.
Maybe you have always wanted to teach; this may be the time to do it.
Maybe you were getting “burnout” anyway with your previous job, so you may want to consider a less stressful job or a job in another industry.
Remember a transition period is a good time to reassess where you are currently compared to your long-term goals.
Let me share one final note on this area. When I talk with friends who have lost their jobs, I focus my conversation primarily on this area. I tell them, “Think about where you want to go in your life.” “What do you want to accomplish in your life time?” “What is your final destination point?”
I let them know, “Sometimes when we are traveling we have to transfer to another vehicle (i.e. bus, train, airplane, etc.), because the one we are currently riding on can only carry us so far, it does not go to our final destination point.” “Therefore, we have to transfer to another vehicle that is going where we want to go.”
The lost of a job can be a “transfer point” in your career travel plans!!
Refocus:
Once you decide which course of action you will take, commit your full attention and energy to your new venture and future, don’t waste time looking back at the “closed” door.
In conclusion, losing a job can be a difficult situation, but is not the end of the world; it just might be the “boot” you needed to pursue your dreams!!
Please provide me your comments on this topic. If you have additional topics you would like to see us discuss, please send me an email or post a comment.
Also, refer this site to other men you know, so we all can journey together!!
For the woman in your life, my wife (Sylvia) has a personal development site focused specifically on the needs and concerns of women. The site is called, www.thedashlady.com.
Also, we have a joint site focused on the needs and concerns of couples (i.e. married, engaged, and seriously dating). This site is focused on helping couples to grow together through personal development. The site is called, www.marriagerhythm.com.
Please visit these sites and leave us a comment about the current posts.
Again, thanks for visiting this site.
Randy
The “DASH” Guy
