By Pat Brown, MBA
Losing a job can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. Whether you were laid off, fired, or forced to resign, the emotional, financial, and psychological impact can feel overwhelming. During times like these, it’s easy to isolate yourself, but building a support system is one of the most crucial steps you can take to help you navigate this difficult time and come out stronger on the other side.
Here’s how to build a solid support system that will help you stay focused, motivated, and resilient during a job loss.
1. Lean on Your Immediate Family and Friends
The first line of support in any crisis often comes from the people who know you best. Family and friends who love and care for you are usually the ones who will lift you up during tough times.
Action Step:
✔ Reach out to those closest to you—Don’t be afraid to share your situation with family and close friends. It’s important to lean on those who care about you.
✔ Express your needs—Sometimes, family members or friends may not know how to help. Let them know if you need emotional support, someone to listen, or practical help like a meal or childcare.
Why It Helps: Loved ones provide an emotional safety net. They can offer encouragement, comfort, and remind you of your strengths during a time when self-doubt may creep in.
2. Network with Colleagues and Professional Contacts
Even though you may be feeling embarrassed or vulnerable about losing your job, your professional network can be an invaluable resource during this time. Many people have been through similar experiences and can offer advice, job leads, or simply encouragement.
Action Step:
✔ Reconnect with colleagues—Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and supervisors you trust to let them know about your situation.
✔ Attend networking events—Even if you’re not actively job hunting, networking events can help you connect with new people in your industry and expand your support system.
✔ Stay active on LinkedIn—LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building connections and keeping in touch with professional contacts. Update your profile, post about your job search, and engage with others.
Why It Helps: Your network can offer guidance, opportunities, and job leads that you might not have access to otherwise. These contacts can also provide moral support and encouragement.
3. Seek Out a Support Group
Sometimes, talking to people who are going through the same thing can be incredibly therapeutic. Many communities, both online and offline, offer support groups specifically designed for individuals who have lost their jobs. These groups can provide a sense of solidarity and help you feel less alone in your journey.
Action Step:
✔ Find a local or online support group—Search for local meetups or online communities (Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or forums) where people are dealing with job loss or unemployment.
✔ Share and listen—Support groups allow you to share your feelings and hear from others who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Why It Helps: Being part of a support group provides emotional validation, reduces feelings of isolation, and gives you access to helpful resources and advice from people who’ve been in your shoes.
4. Consider a Career Coach or Therapist
In addition to your personal support system, seeking professional help from a career coach or therapist can help you manage both the emotional and practical aspects of job loss. A career coach can provide guidance on your job search, resume building, and interview strategies, while a therapist can help you cope with the emotional toll of the situation.
Action Step:
✔ Hire a career coach—If you’re unsure of how to restart your career after a layoff, a career coach can help guide you through the job search process.
✔ Consult a therapist—If job loss is causing significant stress, anxiety, or depression, a therapist can help you work through those emotions in a healthy way.
Why It Helps: Professional guidance can offer objective, expert support in both personal and career development. It can also help you gain clarity about your next steps, as well as assist in overcoming any emotional roadblocks that may arise during this challenging time.
5. Volunteer or Join a Community Activity
Sometimes, when facing job loss, it can feel like you’re losing your sense of purpose. Volunteering or joining a community activity can help you regain a sense of fulfillment while expanding your support network.
Action Step:
✔ Look for volunteer opportunities—Many organizations offer volunteer positions that can help you build new skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
✔ Engage in group activities—Join local clubs, classes, or support groups that interest you. Whether it’s a fitness class, book club, or faith-based group, being around others can combat loneliness and give you a sense of purpose.
Why It Helps: Volunteering and community activities allow you to build new relationships, gain valuable skills, and stay engaged in something positive while you search for a job.
6. Stay Open to Your Own Self-Care Needs
While building a support system is important, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Sometimes, the best support you can give yourself is to make sure you’re physically and mentally healthy.
Action Step:
✔ Exercise regularly—Physical activity is a great stress reliever and helps maintain emotional balance.
✔ Get enough sleep—Don’t neglect rest, as sleep is essential for mental clarity and emotional stability.
✔ Engage in hobbies—Make time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, cooking, or painting, to help you relax and recharge.
Why It Helps: Self-care allows you to remain energized, focused, and positive. It can help you maintain a sense of control during a time when many things feel uncertain.
7. Stay Connected to Your Spiritual Community (If Applicable)
For many people, spirituality plays a significant role in providing emotional support during difficult times. Whether it’s through organized religious services, spiritual practices, or personal reflection, staying connected to your spiritual community can bring comfort and peace of mind.
Action Step:
✔ Attend services or connect with a faith group—Whether virtually or in person, attending religious services can provide comfort, community, and spiritual guidance.
✔ Practice mindfulness—If you’re not religious, mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling can help you stay centered and manage the stress of job loss.
Why It Helps: Spiritual and mindfulness practices can offer inner peace and strength, helping you stay grounded as you navigate this period of transition.
Conclusion
Building a strong support system is essential when you’re facing the challenges of a job loss. By reaching out to family and friends, reconnecting with colleagues, joining a support group, seeking professional help, and taking care of yourself, you can navigate the emotional and practical aspects of unemployment with confidence. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. With the right support network in place, you’ll be better equipped to handle the setbacks and eventually move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
Pat Brown, MBA is a financial expert and career coach who helps individuals navigate career and financial transitions with confidence. He has over two decades of experience working with clients to create financial stability and career success.
