In April 2020, the percentage of job losses between men and women across Canada balanced out, but not in Calgary. In this city, women lost their jobs 3.5 times more frequently than men. Local psychologists, including Patricia Turner, have been helping Calgarians navigate such challenges. Here is more on this topic from calgarynka.
Who Is Patricia Turner?
Patricia Turner is a Calgary-based psychologist who initially trained as an engineer and worked in various roles for 12 years after graduating from university. Over time, she realized that helping her colleagues improve productivity brought her great satisfaction. This led her to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology, and she has since dedicated her career to helping others.
Patricia has provided countless consultations for both men and women who have experienced job loss. For those facing this issue, she outlines five simple steps to take in the days immediately following job loss to improve their mental well-being and prepare for new employment opportunities.
5 Steps to Take After Job Loss
Step 1: Manage Stress
As Patricia explains in her blog, reducing stress before job hunting begins involves crafting a clear and truthful narrative about why you left your previous position. This story should be honest yet presented in a way that doesn’t discourage potential employers.
Step 2: Create a Financial Survival Plan
Losing a steady income can be daunting. However, many people don’t know their exact monthly expenses. It’s essential to review your needs and determine how much money is required each month. Writing this information in a table can provide a clear picture of your financial situation.
To avoid panic, plan expenses for the next few months during your job search. If you have savings, it can provide immediate relief. If finances are tight, understanding your budget can highlight the urgency of finding work or securing temporary income.
Step 3: Update Your Resume
Updating your resume can have a calming effect, as it allows you to identify your strengths and chart a direction for your career. This process may take several hours of focused effort.
Your resume should align with the job and salary expectations you have. It’s worth exploring new tools and formats for resume creation before drafting the first version.
Step 4: Secure References
If references are needed for job applications, now is the time to identify who can provide them. Reach out to those individuals and inform them of your situation, requesting their support.
It’s helpful to discuss what might be included in their references or what they plan to say if contacted by potential employers.
Step 5: Establish a Routine
Avoid letting your post-job-loss break stretch out indefinitely. Recognize that job hunting is also a job, albeit unpaid. Set up a small home office and establish a clear work schedule, such as working on your job search from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Even working from home—whether job searching or remote employment—requires a structured schedule to maintain boundaries between personal life and work. Avoid working during lunch breaks, weekends, or evenings.
What to Do If You’re Let Go Without Cause
According to Patricia’s blog, many Calgarians feel guilt or self-doubt after losing their jobs, often believing they must have done something to deserve termination.
The situation worsens if former colleagues distance themselves, failing to provide support. Support is as vital during job loss as in any other challenging life event. However, people often assume that someone who has been fired must be at fault. They rarely consider that the termination could stem from personal, political, or other reasons on the employer’s side. It’s important to remember that being let go doesn’t always mean the employee made significant mistakes.
To alleviate emotional distress, it’s advisable to consult an experienced psychologist. Psychologists are bound by confidentiality, making sessions a safe space to discuss concerns without fear of privacy breaches. Simply articulating thoughts aloud during therapy can help organize them in one’s mind.
Consulting a labour relations lawyer can also be beneficial, but the most important step is to view job loss as a learning experience. Reflecting on whether you contributed to the termination and identifying any missteps can provide valuable insights for future roles. Any experience, even a negative one, is an opportunity for growth and development.
In August 2022, Alberta’s industries with the lowest unemployment rates included mining, quarrying, oil and gas, as well as information, culture, and recreation sectors.
What to Do If You Struggle to Find a Job
Nearly 90% of job openings are hidden and not posted on public job boards. Therefore, it’s essential to utilize diverse resources such as networking and social media announcements. Limiting applications to advertised jobs means competing for only 10% of the available positions.
Patricia advises creating a list of colleagues and acquaintances who could assist with job leads. Help can come from unexpected places. Focus on reaching out to older professionals who often have broader experience and networks. Once the list is complete, start contacting these individuals, sending them your resume if needed, so they understand your skills and experience. Setting up a professional social media profile, such as on LinkedIn, can also be beneficial.
During meetings with those willing to help, listen to their suggestions and openly share your aspirations. Don’t hesitate to ask if they know others who might be helpful. If so, take the next step to build connections with those contacts as well.
It’s courteous to offer to cover the cost of coffee, lunch, or other small expenses for anyone meeting with you about your job search. Expanding your network this way can lead to several spontaneous job offers. However, don’t rush to accept the first offer unless it aligns with your goals.
Finally, Patricia recommends reading What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles. The book offers valuable ideas for those considering a career change or starting a new professional path.