In the next stage of grieving job loss, we sometimes feel like we are experiencing buyer’s remorse. This could become a dangerous place to be, simply because it blows apart your self-esteem. And then, you are left feeling like a wet noodle: limp and lifeless.
Stage 3: Bargaining
Maybe if I just… What if I… If only I…
Not everybody does this, but some employees try like crazy to keep their jobs, even after the ax has fallen. Some look for a job within the same company (like I did), even when it’s clear that the company itself is in bad shape. Others offer to take pay cuts, take on extra work, go part time – anything to stay with their current organization. (Note: I have not tried, and will not try this!) Once in a great while, this actually works, but I’ve known employees who have managed to hang on, only to find that bad feelings that they harbor make it a miserable experience for all parties.
Don’t get wrapped up in asking yourself those typical bargaining questions. Instead, focus your energy on bargaining your severance package. And also use those bargaining skills when you find yourself in an interview situation for a new job position someplace else.
Faith Response
It is so easy to second-guess things. It is even easier to put the blame on yourself when you lose your job. But it is during these times when we need to remember that it’s all about a company making financial business decisions, and not about personal performance. The “low performers” were let go years ago. Now, the company is skimming from the cream of the crop. So it’s not about how you performed. It’s about the company saving money. We need to take a deep breathe and thank God for the blessings of being employed for so long, and to look forward to what He has in store for us. When a door closes, God will open a window. We need to trust in the Lord that He will lead us to better things in accordance with his plan for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know the plan that you have for me. Let my mind by clear enough to hear your voice so that I may know what to do next. Comfort me when I get down on myself for thinking that I should have done things differently. For I know that I have served you and your people well in my former job. May I be open to what the Spirit has in store for me, and may I always be aware of your presence in my daily life. Guide me to where you need me to be. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
