Bouncing back from a job loss

TG1

I recently and suddenly lost my job. I was on a fixed term contract, which was terminated early. The company were quick to reassure me that it was nothing to do with my performance etc., but I am still struggling to get my head round this.

The company have referred me to an outplacement firm, who have so far been fantastic, so supportive and really proactive in helping me put a plan in place.

That being said, it was an entry level role I was in and I am so worried about how this looks on my CV. I cant even think about it as I get so wound up and panicked when I think about trying to find a new job. Every time I go to look at jobs in my field I'm convinced there are less and less opportunities out there, and I genuinely don't know what to do! I am not a person who deals well with not having a plan, and the few days I've had with nothing to do have really been tough. I know I need to be positive, be proactive and do all the other things the helpful leaflets say, but its easier said then done.

I live on my own, and all the family are a few counties away so I'm feeling a bit isolated at the moment as well which doesn't help! I have one hobby, but the weather is cutting into the time I can spend at that, and I'm starting to worry about the financial implications of this on that as well.

Has anyone else been in this situation, and what practical things can I do to help myself? I don't know if this is really a job issue or a personal one but any help would be appreciated!

dvdman1

1 word.....exercise

jimd2

First of all, +1 to DVD man. get yourself out doing some type of exercise day and track your progress if possible. This well help to keep the motivation up. Also i always feel a little more positive about things during / after a run and often get new ideas during a run.

Next, look at ongoing development for yourself. Most careers need ongoing development and there are a lot of free courses out there, coursera etc. Look what is available and try and identify one that suits.

Get a plan to get your name/cv out there to recruitment companies.

Try and network, not always easy but Meetup is great but you need to be in Dublin/ Cork to benefit.

Mrs OBumble

This is a blurb I wrote myself a few years back, you might find some of the ideas helpful:

Set yourself goals in each of these areas:
job-hunting
employment skills
home and family
hobbies
community service
something physical (if your hobbies don't include sport).

Make sure you have some big picture objectives (eg "get a job), but also focus on the day-to-day and week-to-week goals. Make sure they're realistic, so you can succeed at them.

Then plan each week so you can and do succeed, and make use of the fantastic gift of time that unemployment gives. (It may not feel fantastic while you're living it - but you'll appreciate it later when you don't have the free time any more.)

Basically you're giving yourself the structure and positive feedback that work would normally give you - and this is an important part of keeping yourself employable. Even something "ridiculous" like vacuuming the lounge three times a week" can do the trick, so long as you make sure you do it and give yourself the "credit" for it.

Each week, I do a big picture plan for the week - putting the days in three-hour slots and deciding on one activity for each. I get up at 8am - unless I've given myself annual leave. If I'm not on "leave", I treat the day like a work day. If I am on "leave", I slouch in bed 'til 11.

CatFromHue

Have you gone down to the Welfare office yet? If not you should as there's some good courses available through them if you want to upskill. Some of them might have start dates in a month or two, or more, but at least you know you've something coming up.

Also there's the money/benefits side of things to clear up with them.