Job Loss Anxiety – What can you do?
A recent article by Amanda Smith, ‘Job loss anxiety hits a five-year high, finds latest consumer sentiment index‘ published on the Australian HR Institute website reveals:
“Fear of job losses have hit a 5 ½ year high, with a 9.7 per cent jump to 147.8 in the Unemployment Expectations Index. The April Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index has captured the collective consumer state of mind – making it the most challenging time for the national workforce since the pandemic.”
This article goes into some excellent strategies for employers on how to manage this concerning trend.
However, what if you are the employee who has ‘Job Loss Anxiety?’
Employee Strategies for Job Loss Anxiety
1) Update your resume and LinkedIn Profile – before you ever need it – and ask for Skill endorsements and written Recommendations so that even people you work with right now can be aware of your capacity
2) Update your job search skills – the skills to do a job are different to the skills to get a job and either learning these career development skills or consulting a Career Development Practitioner can be well worth the investment
3) Consider working-close-to-home – (not from home) as this can lower your weekly costs and improve your ability to manage life and work
4) Consider your relationship management skills in your current workplace – when was the last time you supported your colleagues and thanked them for their hard work – a simple thank you card, a free coffee, a surprise cake – aim to keep workplace morale high
5) Contact your Employee Assistance Program EAP – be prepared to utilise the services of confidential EAP programs to discuss your concerns and develop strategies for managing anxiety or stress
6) Consider completing micro credentials – to keep your skills up to date (there is no need to do an MBA or PhD to remain marketable) – and of course I highly recommend LinkedIn Learning which you can access via a local library card or the LinkedIn Premium Jobs and Careers offering or edX
7) Reconnect with your network – it is never too late to re-kindle past personal and professional relationships before you need to ‘ask for a favour.’ I personally find that keeping in touch with people on a semi-regular basis helps me feel more ‘connected’ and less anxious. Download your LinkedIn Data and once you receive the email with a link, click the link and download the zip file and then look through the list of your Connections on LinkedIn and say a friendly ‘hi’ and/or reach out and connect with other people you ‘remember’
8) Be prepared for unemployment – are you ready for the ‘worst case scenario?’ Have you ever thought about unemployment being good for you? Have you put three months of earnings aside to ride you through any possible tough patch?
9) Reflect on your mental health – I am not a psychologist or health professional, but I know how important mental health is and it might be time to have a check up with your local general practitioner doctor or utilise the resources of other mental health services like Beyond Blue or complete a Mental Health First Aid Course
10) Take a break – sometimes when you are working extra hard, you don’t have time to really rest, recover and recuperate from the ‘busy-ness’ of everyday living. Sometimes, a short break at an affordable cost can give you time to process your current situation, ask for professional help or simply have fun!
Please remember that these suggestions are general in nature and not necessarily applicable for your personal circumstances – but I do hope they remind you that there are always some options available to you!
#joblossanxiety #anxeity #sueellson
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