Losing a job unexpectedly can leave you with a pile of negative emotions. Here, I will share an effective strategy for cultivating balanced energy before starting a new job search. (Of course, it’s a strategy that can be used anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions).
The ability to find creative solutions when life gets challenging is a valuable quality to cultivate.
One of my favorite creative solutions comes into play when I want to help clients create balanced energy for their job search.
It’s a practice that particularly comes in handy if you lose a job unexpectedly, or find yourself feeling frustrated or angry about having to conduct a job search.
People can smell when you are irritated, pissed off, frustrated or disappointed.
So, starting a job search with that kind of energy is not a good idea.
It will taint your entire search, not just the interviews.
If you’re feeling any of these things, I recommend what I have termed the “I declare” strategy for cultivating balanced energy before starting your job search.
Here’s how it works:
Say out loud, “I declare that I will be upset until….”
And then give yourself a deadline.
It is so critical not to get stuck in a negative loop for too long.
You definitely don’t want to dwell in that place for months.
Ideally, you’ll give yourself one to three days, and not more than a week.
During the “declaration period,” it’s important to REALLY let yourself experience the negativity.
Don’t try to make the best of it. Just let yourself be upset.
Do whatever you need to do to feel it fully.
Cry if you need to.
Scream if you need to.
Hit a pillow.
Take a poor me bath.
And, definitely do not start your job search during this period.
If you live with other people, whether it’s roommates, a spouse, or other family members, let them know what your plan is.
You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that you get bored with being upset before your declaration period has ended.
This practice can come in handy anytime you feel overwhelmed with negative emotions.
Is your work situation frustrating you? Do you hate your job, but have no idea what to do instead? Attempting to navigate those waters without support is not fun (yes, I do know, but that’s another story). I’m excited to announce that I’ve created The Job I Love Toolkit, with all the resources you’ll need to finally clarify how to get paid to do you.TM To be the first to hear more details, join the VIP Wait List.
And if you know a friend or neighbor who could use hearing the advice in this article or needs The Job I Love Toolkit, please forward this to them.