Anger, denial, depression and frustration doesn’t even begin to explain emotions when a person is suddenly let go from their job.

When your first hired emotions run high.   Excitement, joy, scared, are just some of the emotions you can feel when taking on a new challenge in your career.   

How do I know this? 

Because after a four year hiatus from my chosen career path as a Respiratory Therapist I landed what I thought was going to be the perfect job.   I was so elated with joy.  Suddenly changes started to happen.  Don’t get me wrong here, I’m all for changes as long as their for the betterment of the company and they don’t compromise patient care. 

Then it happened.  Due to just one person and their management role the   staff became on edge, the constant yelling, nasty remarks, even acting racist towards certain professions and people in the office.  

People loose jobs all the time.  The worst time is right before Christmas.  I was called into the office sat down and heard those words; “Sorry but we have to let you go. Understand that it’s best for business”.

Emotions started swelling up inside.  Angry oh yes I was angry.  Angry that I had taken on this responsibility to essentially clean up a failed department.  Trying to regain patients truat after the last therapist had mistreated so many patients.  

What effected me the most was being lied to for months to my face, until they finally pulled out the rug from underneath my feet. Disgusted at the fact that this person whom the owners had put in charge and were trusting with their business, was actually the one who is hurting it.  Customers had complained,  even the reviews on yelp.com  proved my point. 

Getting Back On Track

Oh wow sorry I really got of subject there, didn’t I? 

After much searching,  praying, yelling,  depression and crying I finally realized I need to let this go.  Let go of the anger and resentment towards the owners and their deceitful ways.   Let go of seeking revenge towards her racial attitude and obnoxious behavior. 

How Do You Let Go?

Researching the world wide web I found this great article written by J. T. O’Donnell  titled There Are 5 Stages Of Job Loss Depression.  

Learning To Accept The Loss

Accepting a job as a loss? Yes just like the loss of a loved one we must accept their gone.  Taken away unexpectedly from this earth.  My favorite part in this article,

• Objectivity: You can state the facts without adding emotional commentary.
• Accountability: You can take ownership of your role in what lead to your job loss.

Accepting loosing my job that’s the hardest part.  No real reasons given,  not one performance evaluation in the sixteen months I spent there. 

Moving Forward

Choosing to stay in the past or move ahead is up to each individual person.  It’s the thought of looking for a job, the interview process and explaining over and over again why you want to work for them.

I changed my focus from being angry and hurt to finding a new beginning which will allow me to use my talents in the best way possible to make a difference. 

Focusing on the positive aspects of this chapter in life isn’t easy for some.  Especially when you have a spouse who has been ill for a while and is relying on you to be the strong one.

Looking For Opportunity 

Looking for that new job opportunity can be challenging and exciting at the same time.  

When and where does one find opportunity? I’m told there all around us and that we just have to keep looking.  

As always I welcome your comments. 

Gain The Advantage, 

Alicia Osmera