Dealing with Anger Over Job Loss

Dealing with anger over job loss can be tricky to navigate, but with the right tools, it can be done, and done successfully.

Dealing with anger over job loss is not easy. That's because the anger you feel affects you on every level. There is the mental, the emotional, and the physical aspects that must be dealt with, and all of that takes a bit of time. However, there's no need to despair as this is something that you can work through, and in the end, emerge that much stronger from.

These practical, and necessary steps will help you deal with the anger you feel over job loss:

• Let the news sink in

No matter how you lost your job, whether you were fired, laid off, or even quit, you'll need time to mentally adjust to this new major change in your life.

Going from employed to unemployed is a big adjustment. How will you tell people? What will you do with your time? Are in shock? These are all questions that you need to grapple with, but only after you truly process what has occurred.

• You are not your job:

Start to adjust to this new reality by knowing that you, the quintessential you, are not your job. You are still the same talented, lovable person you were before you lost your job. Remember, no matter the role you play, or hat you wear, talent never goes away.

• Strong emotional core

After you've mentally disengaged yourself form your old position, it's time to dig through any emotional baggage you may be feeling. It's not uncommon to feel worthless, or even ashamed at losing a job (all of which can lead to anger), but keep in mind that jobs, much like life, can be transitory.

That's why it's so important to have a strong emotional core, the essential you to fall back on. You know that you are a competent, capable person (hey, you've made it this far, right?), so keep that in mind when you begin to feel sad or depressed.

• Talk it out

Whether it's a best friend, a sibling or a parent, it's important to talk about what happened, how it happened and how you feel about it. You feel angry, right? So say it. Don't shove that feeling down; it's important that you give voice to that anger because otherwise, it'll just fester. Also, if your loved ones are asking you how you feel, the odds are incredibly good that they genuinely want to know and care. Take that opportunity to share.

Now comes the best part of this process -- getting physical! This does not just mean hitting the gym (although, that is one of the best things to do), but it also means doing things.

• Hit the gym

This is on the top of everybody's list for a reason -- it works! In addition to helping you look physically better, physical activity also improves your mental concentration and floods your body with "feel-good" chemicals like serotonin.

• Update resume

Now it's time to get your resume, cover letter, and contacts (reference list) in order. If you haven't updated your resume to reflect your last position, do so now.

Draft a cover letter, and notice the word "draft". Cover letters need to be personalized and tailored to the job you're applying to, so it's never set in stone. If you need help with your cover letter consider using the library, bookstore or browse for them online.

After that's done, put a reference list together. Make sure this list includes the person's full name, address, phone number, and title (if applicable). If you have no references, pick up the phone and start talking to former managers, and colleagues.

• Network and apply

Networking is just a fancy way of saying "talk to everyone you know". Talk to everyone and ask about open positions, etc. While you are doing this, apply to any and all jobs that interest you and match your experience.

• Do a practice interview

Hold a mock interview with a friend or family member. Do not go into an interview "cold".

Yes, these steps will effectively help you deal with your anger. Why? When you are angry, you only have two choices. You can either accept things as they are or change them. These practical steps will help you change your current situation.

Additionally, taking these steps will help channel your anger and it will also give you the time you need to think about what you really want to do. Here's a question: When you lost your job, did you feel just a tiny bit relieved? If yes, then you know that you weren't living your passion. Dealing with anger over job loss means discovering what you really want to do.

Finally, if you've gone through all of these steps and it's been a while, and you still don't feel any less angry, then it may be time to speak with a professional. The intense anger you feel may actually be a front for some deeper issues and it's a good idea to explore it. After all, exploring the underlying aspects of your anger, with a certified professional, will put you that much closer to living your dream and true north. With all things considered, losing one thing to gain that may be worth it.

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