High profile companies laying off workers at an alarming rate. A layoff can create a stuck point that prevents us from moving forward. It can take away the idea that we have power over our personal story and reshape our identify. We may have believed if you just work hard and play by the rules you will succeed. This has been shattered and now someone can view themselves as a failure or inadequate.
We are expected to experience sadness and grief over a loss, but if we begin to restrict ourselves from seeking new opportunities or it begins to interfere with our daily lives it has become an unhealthy reaction. Experiencing healthy anxiety helps you get more of what you want and less of what you don’t want. If you have no concern, you will not try to move forward or find new employment. It is not a helpful goal to refuse to ever experience worry or sadness. It is helpful to taking some time to process your feelings or seek counseling.
Daniel Wysocki Ed.S., a counselor in Jonesboro, AR suggests that being laid off can be an opportunity for individuals to challenge their rigid self-identity and consider alternative narratives. Instead of viewing being laid off as a personal failure, it is important to analyze external factors that contributed to the situation. By reflecting and learning from the experience, individuals can avoid harmful beliefs and self-expectations that may impact future employment opportunities. It is crucial to avoid catastrophizing and instead focus on making sense of the events and transforming any negative beliefs that led to the lay-off.
Those that retain their job are also affected. They can experience guilt and insecurity. Their lack of secure attachment at the workplace can reduce their ability to take on risky projects. They may call in sick more often due to being controlled by intestinal symptoms and heart or breathing reactions. They may start to believe they had something to do with their co-worker being fired.
