Coping With Grief After Losing a Job

Ecclesiastes 9:10 tells us, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Work is a deeply held value in Scripture.

People often speak of grief in terms of losing a loved one, but did you know it can also result from the loss of a job? It’s true. When you lose a job—especially one that you enjoyed and planned to stay at well into the future—it can cause you to question your self-worth. Jobs provide routine and structure to our lives, and without one, you may end up feeling directionless. You might also feel lonely now that you no longer have regular interactions with your former colleagues. And this is all on top of the financial concerns that come with losing a job.

Your grief over job loss will pass. There are steps you can take to shorten the time until your grief passes. You can:

• Share your feelings – Speak to friends and family members about the emotions you’re experiencing, and/or schedule an appointment with a therapist who specializes in grief.

• Stick to a routine – Just because you’re no longer going to work doesn’t mean that you can’t still have a routine. Set an alarm, get dressed, and find time to venture outside each day.

• Start looking for new opportunities – This doesn’t just mean perusing job postings. Try joining online career groups and attending networking events. Not only will this increase your chances of finding a new position, but it may also lead to new friendships.

• Stay focused on what is helpful and true. Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for humans . . . It is the Lord you are serving." Apply your work ethic to the search for a new job, and remember your Heavenly Boss loves you and is proud of you!

Offering Assistance With Grief

At Covenant Counseling Center, our counselors are trained to come alongside you and offer guidance and support for processing the loss of a job and all the secondary losses attached to it. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and tell you more about our practice and the services we offer.