The Emotional Stages of Dealing With Job Loss

I've heard it said that the loss of a job and the emotions we go through follow close behind those we go through when dealing with the loss of a loved one, followed by experiencing a major medical/health issue.

In reading a number of articles dealing with the emotional stages we all go through when dealing with the loss of a job. I can tell you from experience, it doesnt matter if it's your first time in this situation or ou've been through it before you will go through all of these stages or some variation.

The articles I've read vary, with some defining 5 stages of emotion and while others have 7. Regardless of the number of stages the emotional struggles you go through will be the same. For purposes of our blog here I've chosen to use the 7 stage model.

Are the stages already familiar to you? Where are you at in your journey through these stages? Wherever you're at, don't go it alone. Confide in a loved one or a friend. Most people have been there at some point in their career and life. Each day we'll explore a different stage - what emotions we exhibit in each stage and then discuss how we might deal with those emotions.

The Emotional Stages of a Job Loss

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DENIAL
DISBELIEF
OUTWARD ANGER
INNER SELF-CRITICISM
WITHDRAWAL
REFLECTION
ACCEPTANCE
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