It's Not Under Your Control
First of all, let yourself grieve because the circumstances are not under your control. It's hard and unfair for someone to lose their job due to a global pandemic, but there's nothing you could've done to prevent it. Therefore, don't beat yourself up with it. Putting yourself down is the last thing you want in this sort of a situation.
Moving forward, every decision you make in life, career and education depends on the dynamics of the new world that was born due to COVID-19. You have to move on in order to function, which is why grieving is important.
We all have different ways of grieving, both healthy and unhealthy. While some of us choose to talk to people about our feelings, the others might try to drown their sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. The unhealthy habits like the latter can relax you for a moment, but it does more harm than good in the long run. Therefore, pick a healthy way to deal with your emotions, which would make it easy for you to move on.
Aside from talking to someone, you can also start a journal to write about your feelings. Don't hold back or bottle up, start from the most negative feeling you have about this situation. Despite what happened, list down all the positive things in your life. Then you'll see that this is just a minor setback.
You only lost your job due to a pandemic that has brought some of the most powerful nations to its knees, not because you performed poorly. Always focus on these things as you write, because day by day, you'll realise that your thoughts are getting positive. It's a good sign; you're on the path to recovery.
Your Job Status Doesn't Define You
Yes, there are many perks of having a job. The joy of being independent, having a new pack, improving your knowledge and skills, and even the fact that you get a title in addition to your name is a cool thing. If nothing else, it gives you a purpose to get up in the morning. But does it really define you?
Absolutely not! Your values, truths, things you believe in and things you stand for are few of the many things that define you. So how can something you do in an office could define who you are?
Sure, you'll miss the benefits of a job, but it's only for a small time. Like we mentioned above, this is just a minor setback. It's a tough market right now, but Sri Lanka is already taking baby steps towards returning to normalcy. Therefore, be hopeful. This isn't the end.
At the end of the day, a job isn't the only success you've achieved in your life. Think about all the good things you've done as a friend, parent, daughter/son, sister/brother and more importantly, as a human. Each one of those simple achievements is what makes you a successful person. And the job is just one tiny fragment in that big picture.
A Network Of Supporters
While self-isolation is good to protect yourself from COVID-19, it should be only physical, but not mental. In a difficult time like this, you might feel like avoiding everyone you know because you consider this as a low point of your life. Or maybe it's because you're ashamed about losing your job.
It's actually one of the unhealthiest things to do at times like this. Like we stated above, this happened for a reason that's beyond your control. It's absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. People can be judgy as hell, which is why you can be selective about people whom you choose to talk with, but never isolate yourself.
Reach out to your family, trusted friends, colleagues and batchmates; they're your network of supporters. Not every one of them might have job opportunities in their hand, but they'll be good listeners and advisers. Perhaps they'll be able to point you to the direction of someone who can help you as well.
Therefore, don't cloak yourself from the world. Use the network you have to build more connections, which will eventually lead you to amazing opportunities.
Finding A Job Is A Job
We all have a routine that we follow on a workday. But when you're unemployed, you might feel like it's ok to sleep for another extra hour and spend the day in your PJs, binging Netflix and eating junk food. That's the wrong way to do this, my friend.
It's not like you have to follow each and every task of the morning routine you had, but tweak it a bit to create a new one that you can adapt to as a person on a job hunt. Wake up early as possible, put on some proper clothes, eat some good breakfast to give you that much-needed boost in the morning and start the job of finding a job. Go to job advertising websites and also check with friends, family and ex-colleagues about any openings they might have in their companies.
You don't have to do this for 8 hours a day like a usual job, but make it a priority. Have a break every once in a while to watch your favourite show, scroll your social media feeds or to have some fun time with family.
Treat Yourself
Finding a job should be treated as a job, but don't let it consume you. In order to be in your full potential, you need to take care of yourself well. Eat healthily and drink plenty of water to keep you energised and focused, and if you're a stress eater, keep an eye on the food intake. Food with Omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, mackerel, sardines and certain nuts) can lift up your mood, so make sure to include them in your daily meal.
Avoid nicotine, and moderate your alcohol consumption. Both of them are just temporary patches to your anxiety and stress, which will return as your body wears them off.
Get a good night's sleep and workout every morning to keep yourself fit, while giving a kickstart for a productive day. Going for a run is actually a good way to clear your head. You can use mechanisms like meditation and yoga to keep yourself relaxed and collected.
You lost a job due to something that you cannot control. So instead of wallowing in that pain, focus on what you can control, which is finding a job. Therefore, do everything that makes you happy without slipping away from that priority. Good luck!
