Can You Grieve Over the Loss of a Job?

When you think about grief, what comes to your mind? Chances are, your first thoughts are about losing a loved one or friend. However, grief can happen for many reasons in a person's life.

We all feel sadness and uncertainty when something changes. In fact, people can experience grief over anything that either changes their lives or their perception of the world. It's not uncommon for someone to experience grief symptoms in the following situations:

• Moving to a new location or house and having to get used to life there

• Ending of a relationship or friendship

• Loss of a pet

• Loss of health

• Grieving over letting go of a dream or ambition 

• Change in careers

• Job loss

Yes, it is really common for someone to experience grief over a job loss. But why?

3 Reasons That Job Loss Causes Grief

When you change careers, that was likely a choice you made on your own. But, when you experience a loss in your job, it is probably out of your control. Regardless of why you are no longer at the job, it's a hard situation to try to come to terms with.

1. It Causes Uncertainty

Life is always uncertain. However, when you suddenly lose your job, it is really emotionally taxing. You know what to expect when you have an income you can rely on. But not knowing how you will pay your bills, get groceries for your family, and so much more leaves many people feeling depressed and extremely anxious. Grief is just that—loss.

2. It Makes You Question Yourself

You were once confident in what you brought to your desk or workplace. You felt proud of what you were accomplishing or the small ways you contributed to the workforce. When that is taken away from you suddenly, it makes you question whether you are worthy, doing enough, or performing well. You might question your skillset and whether or not you are employable. It plants the seeds of doubt that, somehow, you are not enough for the workplace.

3. It Breaks Up Your Routine

As working adults, we all get into the routine of things. Work a certain shift, come home, make dinner, etc. After a full day's work, it feels good to come home and relax.

When you experience job loss, your whole world shifts, and you now have all the free time in the world. You aren't alone if you spent the first few weeks (or months) in shock after you got the bad news. It's very jarring to suddenly have unlimited time to sit and stew over this sudden situation or question yourself.

This is similar to the stages of grief over a death we experience. You go through stages of shock, denial, anger, and, eventually, acceptance. But that doesn't mean it is easy to deal with.

Dealing With Grief Over A Job Loss

First, take it one day at a time. Give yourself the space of a few days to just try and come to terms with what happened. Talk to your family or friends about it. Second, come up with a game plan. If you have been thinking about changing careers or job positions anyways, now may be a good time to start thinking about those things. Third, take it easy on yourself and don't let your mind tell you little lies that it tries to convince you of.

If you have experienced a job loss and are worried about the future, reach out to us for help in grief counseling, anxiety therapy, or depression treatment. Together, we can help you feel better and focus on your future.