Take the high road after job loss
Encountering people from your previous job can be awkward. You can prepare your response ahead of time and show your resilience and confidence.
Feeling apprehensive about seeing former coworkers from your previous job? That’s not unusual. After job loss is full of delicate moments, but this strategy can help you navigate them with confidence.
It doesn’t matter how you lost your job. Whether you were fired, laid off or whether you chose to leave on your own, meeting former team members or management can be uncomfortable.
Some people will shrink back from you as though you are contagious with Covid-19. Others will embrace you with a hug and tell you how sorry they are and that they miss you. And some will simply look ill at ease.
How should you handle these encounters? Follow the Boy Scouts motto: Always be prepared. Know in advance what you will say. That way, when you’re shopping for groceries and bump into the person who terminated your job, you can avoid the awkwardness.
Exude confidence not a victim mentality
You want to present yourself as confident, not as a victim. This will help you regain your power.
Research shows that people who lost their jobs and perceive themselves as victims actually have a harder time bouncing back.
Chose resilience over resentment
Begin with checking your heart. Are you bitter? Even if you feel your situation was unfair, bitterness only hurts you. “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” Variations of this quotation have been attributed to Emmet Fox, AA, Malachy McCourt and Nelson Mandela, among others.
“Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
Attributed to Malachy McCourt, Emmet Fox and AA
Regardless of the origin of this quotation, its truth warns of the futility of resentment or bitterness. Resolve in your heart to forgive and to move forward. Journaling is a powerful tool to work through your emotions. It can enhance your physical health, your mental health and your spiritual health.
Focus on thankfulness
Thankfulness thwarts bitterness and resentment.
In planning your talking points, lay your foundation with gratitude. Think of the positive things you liked about your job or workplace. Perhaps the corporate culture was caring, helping out in the community. Perhaps coworkers supported one another. Did your position help you grow in your skills?
Next, write down the opportunities this unplanned change might afford you. Are you able to focus on the business you always wanted to start? Are you considering going back to school to earn your master’s or taking classes to bolster your skillset? Perhaps you are able to spend more time with your aging parents? Find one positive aspect.
Write and practice your talking points
Write out your talking points and practice them, so when you meet someone, the words will come without hesitation.
Not sure what to say? You could start with the example below and edit it to fit your situation.
I’m thankful for the time I had at {insert your former place of employment}. I learned so much and grew in my career. I will miss the wonderful employees and stockholders and I wish the company all the best. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life.
Taking the high road will only make you look classy, confident and resilient. Resist the temptation to bad mouth anyone from your former job. By preparing your response in advance, you will project confidence and avoid the victim mentality.
