More companies have announced layoffs and, according to trueup.io, so far in 2024 there have been 745 layoffs at tech companies with 185,867 people impacted (849 people per day).
In January, I posted the statistics that 40% of Americans have been laid off or terminated from a job and 48% of Americans experience layoff anxiety regularly.
Job loss is often treated as a professional setback, a temporary interruption in your career that you're supposed to just quickly bounce back from. We've heard how challenging that can be with the job market, but there's even more to it than that.
When we lose a job, we don’t just lose a source of income; we often lose a part of our identity, our daily routine, and our sense of purpose. Yes, the financial implications of job loss can be severe, causing stress and anxiety about meeting basic needs and future planning.
In addition, work provides structure and stability in our lives. The sudden absence of a daily routine can create a sense of disorientation and anxiety.
For many people, our jobs are also often closely tied to our sense of self. When we introduce ourselves, we frequently mention our profession. Losing a job can feel like losing a part of our identity, leading to issues around self-worth and purpose.
And, on top of all that, for many the workplace is a significant source of community. Losing a job can mean losing daily contact with co-workers and friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Finally, despite the number of layoffs happening each year there remains a significant stigma attached to it. Society often views unemployment as a personal failure, which can lead to feelings of shame.
The emotional and psychological impact of all of this can trigger a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and despair. These often mirror the non-linear stages of grief identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Denial - Those who are laid off might struggle to accept the reality of their situation. They may feel numb or in shock, finding it hard to believe this is happening.
Anger - Once the reality sets in, feelings of anger and resentment can emerge. These emotions may be directed toward the company, management, or even themselves.
Bargaining - During this stage, people might find themselves ruminating on "what if" scenarios, wondering if different actions could have prevented the layoff.
Depression - The weight of job loss can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and decreased self-worth, which can severely impact mental health and daily functioning.
Acceptance - Over time, people may come to terms with their situation.
The dismissive or pseudo-supportive "just pick yourself up and get back to it" messaging that is often provided by (mostly) well-meaning people isn't helpful either. A better option is acknowledging the grief associated with job loss, a more compassionate and supportive response that can help folks emerge stronger and ready for new opportunities.
Viewing job loss through this lens validates and normalizes all of the complex emotions, encouraging people to not suppress them or use unhealthy coping mechanisms. This in turn can lead to personal growth and increased resilience, making people who've been laid off better prepared for future challenges.
It shifts the focus from merely "picking oneself up" to understanding and working through the emotional journey, ultimately leading to a more robust and holistic recovery.
If you'd like help from a trained professional who knows what this feels like and can help you find your footing again, please reach out for a complimentary consultation.
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