How do you deal with getting retrenched or fired?
I (below 30F) got retrenched in September 2022. It came as a shock as I was barely a few months in after changing jobs and the company decided to shut down the department I was in.
I am currently still jobless, looking for a job in my industry and yet no motivation to continue on due to the resentment and anger that I took on this path.
My husband and family are very supportive of me and asked me to keep looking around without rushing into a new job.
I can’t help but feel horrible about my situation, like I linked my self-worth to having a job/career whatever.. I feel completely useless and worthless.
TLDR: Linked my self-worth to having a job and feeling worthless after retrenchment. Self-pity perhaps? Can’t get out of the mindset.
Netizens’ comments
- Its just part and parcel of life, no big deal. it happens, all you can do is to roll with it
- I think on the flip side, it’s a good to take some time off to think about whether you love what you are doing and would do it for the rest if your life?
It could also be a good time to self upgrade. Maybe take some time for further studies? Even better when you have the people around you supporting you. The best investment you can make right now is investing in yourself.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that it is your choice how you want to deal with it. It might be an opportunity you would regret missing in the future. - Change your mindset. Life can be unfair sometimes.
Wouldn’t feeling horrible about your situation, feeling completely useless and worthless (in your own words) be your motivation to get a job? - 2 things to just keep reminding yourself of:
-It’s not because of you
-You are not just about your job
You can’t change what has happened but you sure can avoid this going the way of a downward spiral.
Keep your spirits high and all the best - Sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch, OP. It’s natural to feel sad about job loss. We’re raised to associate our entire identities with our careers and taught to bend over backwards to appease our employers. Sadly, no one talks about how unequal this power dynamic is, and how our employers would never do the same for us. We’re as good as disposable to them.
I think your loved ones are right. Take this time to explore interests and possibly explore other job options that might not have been in your scope before. No need to rush into your next role. Also, don’t forgot to just enjoy this precious time off. You have the rest of your life to work, but only a few rare moments to do anything you want.