How to Cope With Layoff Anxiety
Even people who absolutely love their job have to deal with work-related stress and anxiety at least once in a while. And while many companies like to talk about prioritizing the mental health and well-being of employees, their actions often say otherwise, including creating an environment where the threat of layoffs is constant.
While there is little you can do as an employee to change this culture, there are strategies to help you deal with the resulting anxiety about being fired. Here’s what you need to know.
How the threat of being fired can damage our mental health
Living in prolonged uncertainty —whether in regards to our careers or other aspects of our lives—can be a serious blow to our mental health. Constant anxiety is also not very good for our physical health .
And let’s not forget that layoffs can take many forms, beyond the loss of a permanent paid job with benefits.
According to a 2022 survey , roughly 36% of working Americans are gig workers, earning income from multiple sources, none of which are likely to be profitable. So while they don’t have a full-time job to lose, layoffs can take the form of cutting hours or limiting their income in a way that causes their income to fall.
How to Cope with Layoff Anxiety
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that American work culture will change to the point that the fear of being fired will disappear, but for now, here are a few ways that can help us deal with it.
Have a backup plan
Even if it’s not possible to have financial insurance, creating a back-up plan gives you some control over the situation. The idea is to outline the steps you will need to take if you lose your job. This can include everything from updating your resume, expanding your professional network, to knowing how and where you will look for a new job if it comes to that.
Talk to a career counselor or therapist
Work has a big impact on our mental health and thankfully there are professionals and resources available to help. If this fits within your budget, consider booking a few sessions (or even one) with a career counselor or therapist, as a fresh perspective from an outsider who also specializes in helping people deal with this type of anxiety. may be useful. .
But even if you are unable to pay for consultations, you can still consider free or low-cost options, including attending free job fairs and job fairs in your area or virtually, and taking advantage of any public libraries in your area that offer free employment services. (many do).
Channel your anxiety into learning new skills
Once you find that your anxiety about getting fired is getting out of control, consciously shift your focus to something else, like learning something new. Not only does it take your mind off worrying about your job, but by learning a new skill or expanding your knowledge on a particular topic, you’re doing yourself a favor in the future, no matter what happens to your current position.