The Labor Day holiday of 2023 was not all about celebration with BBQ’s and potato salad for some folks.
There are many people who are feeling the fear and stress of unemployment. As we celebrate the American workers, people in our community are losing jobs across America .
Depending on what statistics you look at, the unemployment rate in America was 3.5% in July with Weld County at 3.6% in the same time period.
With this said, in 2022 there were 15.4 million layoffs in the U.S. This was due primarily to corporate resizing teams and restructure.
Tyson laid off 1,700 workers in March 2023, and 3M, Whole Foods and Wal-Mart were not far behind. Bed Bath and Beyond recently closed all of their stores as of September 3 due to Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Losing a job is stressful. Our jobs mean much more to us than just a paycheck.
They define how we see ourselves and how others see us. They give our lives purpose and meaning.
Our jobs teach us how to be self reliant and self confident, and teach us about professional responsibility and identity. Job loss and unemployment is one of the most stressful and life-changing events you can experience.
Feeling scared, anxious, panicky, rejected, angry and hurt are part of the grief process involved with job loss. How we handle these emotions is important.
If not handled correctly these emotions and feelings often turn into depression and anxiety and lead to other illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and other physical illnesses.
In surviving and coping with job loss and unemployment, accept reality and don’t beat yourself up. Accept your situation as it is now and tell yourself you are going on to the next phase in your life. Don’t play the blame game.
Turn your negative thinking into positive self talk. Instead of thinking you are a loser, think of yourself as a winner with a losing season.
Keep a journal of your accomplishments no matter how small or how large. Self confidence is a valuable asset that you will need in your next job.
Stay connected by networking or volunteering. Start a job club in your community. Stay positive and realize a new beginning is right around the corner.
Take your time and look for employment that suits your personality. If possible take a career inventory test through your local college or online.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ( MBTI) is recognized as the most effective option for job seekers who want to assess their preferences and suitability for a career path.
Myplan.com is another career inventory and offers four different assessment options. They include a career personality test, a career interest inventory, a career skills profiler and a career values assessment.
Also join job search and posting sites such as Indeed or Zip Recruiter.
Last but not least, have a current updated resume. If you do not have one seek the help of a professional that can assist you in documenting your skills and job experience.
Make job seeking and finding your number one job and your priority. Practice self care.
The American Psychological Association (APA) states that financial stress is the leading cause of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, weight gain, and alcohol and drug abuse. The APA states that in October 2022, 66% of illness is directly or indirectly caused by financial stress.
Financial stress is responsible for an increase in the number of people seeking psychotherapy and treatment and is also one of the leading causes of patients withdrawing from treatment.
— Sandi Y. Squicquero M.Ed, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who works out of the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B in Windsor. She has more than 30 years experience as a counselor and is board certified in medical hypnosis.
