Staying focused is key during times of unemployment

TINA VANDERWAL

Originally published Monday, March 4, 2002

The scariest moment for a state worker is the receipt of a reduction-in-force letter.

But even worse, what if there are no vacancies, no positions you can bump into when you're laid off from your agency?

Being laid off can be a shock for a state employee. Some will remain in denial until the final day, when they have to clean out their desks and physically leave the workplace.

Why would an employee deny the inevitable? It's similar to a serious illness or an accident -- we believe those things happen to other people, not us.

A reduction-in-force layoff could happen to any of us, and how we react to it will determine its impact.

So what do you do if RIF happens to you?

First of all, don't take it personally.

Budget cuts have nothing to do with your abilities or you as a person.

Realizing that will free you from thoughts of resentment or low self-worth.

Second, remember that you are not your job.

Many years ago, I was hit with an illness that left me incapable of working.

Instead of accepting the fact that I couldn't work for a brief time, I fought with all my might to remain at work.

I finally realized that I felt as though I had no identity without my work. I had worked since I was 15, either part-time or full-time, and it was who I was -- or so I thought.

I think that's why so many people die shortly after they retire: They think they've lost their identities, their value, their worth. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

You are still a wonderful and capable human being -- with or without a job.

If you find yourself becoming depressed, call Employee Advisory Services.

Getting laid off is a great loss -- you lose your work, your income, everyday contact with coworkers and your daily structure.

Grieving and depression are natural reactions. Understanding what your mind and body are going through and seeking help will enable you to cope with the sense of loss and insecurity you might feel.

Staying strong

Remember to take care of yourself!

Many of us, especially social workers, are very good at taking care of others, but we often forget about ourselves.

This is the time you must take care of yourself physically, emotionally and financially.

When a person first becomes unemployed, the tendency is to sleep in. Why not? You're not going to work.

But that can be a trap. Many who begin to sleep in find that soon they don't want to get up at all.

Sleeping allows us to escape reality, and too much sleep can be a sign of depression.

As difficult as it might be, get up early.

By early, I mean when the sun naturally rises. You don't have to keep up the unnatural wake-up time of 5 a.m. -- you can relax a little.

Don't forget to exercise.

Now you finally have time to use the equipment that has collected dust in the corner for years.

Exercise is a proven stress reliever and can help keep you optimistic through difficult times.

It's important to exercise your mind as well as your body. Read that book that has been staring at you from the bookshelf.

Keeping active is crucial to your well-being.

Make a schedule.

You may think, "For what?"

- Next week: A schedule of tasks that will help keep your finances healthy.

Tina VanderWal is human resources manager in the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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