The challenges we face in life directly affect the people that love us, and job loss is no exception!
Helping Loved Ones Survive Job Loss
The challenges we face in life directly affect the people that love us, and job loss is no exception! During my career journey, my family cried and laughed with me and provided the best support they could. I know this wasn't always easy for them. They couldn’t possibly understand exactly how I felt. We certainly faced moments of frustration together!
If you are the spouse, parent, child, or friend of someone who is facing job loss, you need to be equipped with understanding, tools, and responses that are going to benefit your loved one during this challenging time in his or her life. You need to understand the stages of grief they’ll experience after job loss and how to properly address the range of emotions, knowing that hopefully sooner rather than later, "this too shall pass!"
Robin Brun, my good friend and Business Development Director for the Center for Leadership at the University of Dayton is a certified Human Resources Professional. Robin works closely with business leaders and human resource professionals across the region, providing access to world class leadership development programs. View Robin's LinkedIn profile.
Robin is passionate about helping people – especially those in career transition, as well as organizations achieve their true potential. Robin created and hosts a weekly radio show on Radio Maria entitled "Putting Faith and Hope in Your Job Search" where she shares insight with regard to helping your loved one survive job loss.
Robin, in your experience, what do job seekers needs most from loved ones?
What job seekers need most from their loved ones is love and support. Family members need to be patient - the job search process is much more complicated today than in the past. Those who have not faced job loss often times do not understand the importance of treating the job search as a full-time job. They need to allow their loved ones quiet time to spend on the search and not burden them with jobs around the house because they "finally have time." Rather, family members need to encourage job seekers, remind them of their strengths and talents, and reassure them that they will find a job. Some other things they can do are pray with them, go for walks together, and help to create a sense of structure for them.
In our attempt to help our loved ones survive career transition, we often make mistakes. What common mistakes do people make during this process? In other words, what do job seekers NOT need?
Job seekers don’t need to be blamed for being out of work. Even if they made a mistake, the last thing they need is to be criticized and made to feel more shame. They also do not need to be compared to other people who may have found a job quickly.
What are some specific ways we can ease the pain our loved one faces? How can we ease their burden?
One way to ease that burden is to help them with a budget to reduce the financial pressure. You can research support groups that are in your community and encourage them to attend. If you are not working, it may be a good time to get a part-time job or to go to work full-time to ease the financial burden. You can also help by proofreading resumes and cover letters. Since networking is such an important part of the job search, use your network to brainstorm ideas and uncover opportunities that might be a good fit for them.
How do we know when to "step in" to help our loved ones? Is there a way to tell when the situation is becoming dangerous or irreparable?
It can be very difficult to know when to step in. Depression is something with which many job seekers struggle, so as the family member you need to watch for signs, such as seeming tired all the time, appearing withdrawn and very discouraged, and being unwilling to do the things they normally do. These could be signs that they need to see their family doctor.
Thank you, Robin, for your advice and wise words. Your insight on this critical issue that so many families are facing is much appreciated.
Now…look for a way to show your loved one just how much you care!
