Release Your Anger After a Lay-Off

Brenda Griffin  Get A Job Expert

There is no liberation without labor…and there is no freedom which is free.  - The Siri Singh Sahib

Are you white-hot mad, totally ticked, or just plain bitter over a lay-off?  Releasing anger is critical to successful job searching. It’s time to get your life, career, and job search back on track. Here are some solutions to help you release your anger.

Understand the grief process. In Experiencing Change, I explain that anger is a natural part of the job loss grief cycle.  Losing a job is one of the most stressful events that can happen to individuals and families. December is known for high lay-off numbers as companies finalize annual plans. The emotional aftermath puts a damper on the already stressful holiday season.

Embrace forgiveness.  In From Cleansing to Clarity: The Power of Forgiveness, I share my story of dealing with anger.   The key to releasing my anger was through forgiveness.

Yet to me “forgiveness” meant letting the other guy off the hook; and that made me angry. Fortunately I came to learn that forgiveness is not for the other person. It’s for me. It is a decision to let the past go and not think about it any more. It’s the door out of the never-ending cycle where you re-live pain over and over. It’s how to stop feeling like a powerless victim, and growing bitter. I also had to accept it is not up to me to pass judgment.  I needed to excuse myself from jury duty and surrender that to a power greater than me. “

Live the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

You cannot change the fact that you lost your job. It happened. Now, you must deal with it and look for a new one.  What you can change is your attitude.  Be courageous! Choose to release your anger for you. Forgive your employer and let the experience go for you.  Channel your energy in constructive ways for you:

Be determined to conduct your search daily.

Be determined to stay positive.

Be determined to examine all your job options.

Be determined to not give up and keep searching until you get your next job.

Liberate yourself from your anger. Embrace each day, moment by moment, while planning for your future.  Know that your future is in front of you, not behind you!