Job Loss and our Fight to Restore our Value
Dec 19th, 2008 by Estee Taschereau
There are many aspects of self that define us. Many of us learn to define through our actions, or those areas of self where our attention is focused. This often means defining ourselves by the work we do since we spend so many waking hours looking in that direction. What happens to us then if our job ends?
Our work is very much an action and reward based system. We are paid for our time, or for the things we produce. There is the outward flow of energy, ideas, and decisions that produce the desired results. There is the return flow of energy in the form of a paycheck, and occasionally a pat on the back and a good review.
There is truth in the statement that our energy flows where our attention goes. Much of our energy does go into our work. For many of us we use our workplace for a portion of our self expression and social interaction since so much of our time is spent in the work environment. This is why leaving a job can be so devastating when it has become the nucleus of our lives.
When we place the bulk of our value in one area it can be devastating when that avenue for self definition dries up. Finding we are the target of a layoff or firing can quickly strip us of the outer shell that we use to define who we are.
Losing a job will always impact our lives. The primary focus is on the loss of income, and this level is important and real. We must care for our day to day needs. Many of us feel other levels of loss as well, for our jobs often give us a sense of value and worth as well as routine and interaction with others.
It cannot be denied that the most effective solution is to gain new employment or return to our old job. In the meantime we can turn around this unfortunate situation by looking inward and using this incident as a tool for self improvement.
Focus for a moment on the other areas in your life that give you’re an outlet of expression. You might be in the church choir, or assist in your child’s team events. There can be other areas of value on this list, like your exercise program, interactions with friends, or something as simple as walking the dog. Those routines can give you a sense of comfort while you reconnect the work aspect of your life.
Opportunity knocks, and today the focus is restoring self through awareness. You have a doorway open to self insights that are not usually in question. Behind those question lies a vast wealth of personal empowerment that can serve you in your future. We will focus on releasing and restoring in part two of this series.
