Unemployed? Watch Your Reactions

Copyright ©  2008  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Today, the possibility of losing your job looms on the horizon for many of us.

It is difficult to predict how you will react to losing your job, for everyone has a different way of behaving because of past experiences and life circumstances at the time. However, there are a few guidelines to help you keep your stress at a reasonable level and to help you reestablish yourself in the job market.

Rehearsing what to say and do if your boss pronounces the terrible sentence should begin with the first inkling that you and your employer may be in trouble. Difficult as it may be to maintain your composure while you are being removed, it is imperative not to lose your cool. The person terminating you could give you good leads to other jobs and is sometimes in a position to soften the terms of separation.

When you have lost your job, career advisors suggest aiming for up to 6 months salary in severance pay and the extension of health benefits until the salary terminates. Ask for letters of recommendation and perhaps office space until you relocate.

After dealing with the employer, do everything to behave calmly toward yourself and your family. Do not panic. Do not think the world has come to an end. Do not blame your spouse or yourself for what happened or take out your frustrations on your family. Accusing one another will not help. Reassure yourself that what happened was not your fault.

Source: Billie H. Frazier, Maryland Human Development Specialist, Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, 1982-83, "Unemployed? Watch Your Stress." Leaflet 150.

Sue Meyers
Family Sociologist

Originally published in September 1983

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

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