In, Emotional Stages of a Job Loss, the author suggests that similar to grief in a death, going through a job loss will put you through several emotional stages, namely:
– Denial
– Disbelief
– Outward Anger
– Inner Self-Criticism
– Withdrawal
– Reflection
– Acceptance

The author goes on to state, “By recognizing the different stages, you are able to move through them quickly, rather than languish in them for weeks.”

No! no, no.

Job loss and unemployment are a time to LET GO of timetables and expecting life to move forward in a particular progression.

Don’t exchange one time table, such as, “if I complete this project successfully then I should get promoted and a raise to X…” for another, “I need to work through my anger and self-criticism, get some professional support and reflect on what I want to do next in my life. In that way I will knock off landing another job in no time.”

STOP!

I’ve also heard people say, “For every $10K of annual salary you are looking for, you should expect to spend one month looking for it.” Meaning for a $100K annual salary job hunt, you should expect to spend 10 months of job hunt.

Again, I beg you, STOP!

Stop expecting things to arrive on a particular schedule or even in any particular order. Things might come sooner or later or what comes into your life might be something entirely different. By keeping an open mind, you will be more likely to spot opportunities that maybe you, nor anyone else has previously considered.

EXPLORE. Explore your emotions, your strengths, your weaknesses, your friendships and knowledge. Give yourself permission to head one way and then another. You can’t know where your journey will take you or when you will get there. Keep an open mind and let go of those damn expectations.