Coping With Job Loss

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Every family faces trouble at one time or another. For many today, that trouble may be a lost job. No one feels good about losing work, but there are some things you can do to deal with the situation. Jobs are important to people's feelings of self-worth. So if you feel like a failure, your feelings are normal.

Take a hard look at reality. Study your financial situation. Don't rush into big decisions. You may not have to sell your house. The problem may not be that drastic.

Explore the situation with your family. Your children will realize you aren't going to work. They sense your tension, too. So there's no reason to hide it from them. Maybe you can bring them into the problem-solving discussion. If you can, also share your problem with other families in the same situation.

Be honest with your creditors. Explain your situation. Don't wait till they get to you; that only makes the problem worse.

Don't hesitate to file for unemployment benefits. Remember you're a taxpayer and deserve all the financial assistance you can get.

At the same time, start looking for another job. Keep busy and look at what choices you have. This may be a good time to take a fresh look at your life. What is important to you? Have you been doing it? If not, perhaps this is the time to start.

Ronald Pitzer
Family Sociologist

Originally published in February 1982

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

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