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Any economic crisis means certain losses: inflation, market restructuring and job cuts. Those who are lucky stay in their profession. Others will have to adjust to new realities. This situation of uncertainty and fear of being unclaimed makes us feel desperate and confused. How not to lose your job prematurely because of emotions? We talked about this with psychologists.
Fear of losing your job
Most people are afraid that under the circumstances they may lose their jobs. This is a pretty strong fear, how to deal with it?
Sergey Chesnokov, psychologist, gestalt therapist:
“We are all in a crisis right now. And the first thing I want to note: fear is an adequate reaction. Just the absence of fear is a more alarming sign than its presence. There are already a large number of recommendations on the network on how to at least alleviate the condition in which we find ourselves.
The main recommendations relate to relying on the body — it is important to remain sensitive, pay attention to those areas of tension that you notice in the body, take care of your physical condition (eat on time, keep a sleep schedule), and rely on social connections. I believe that just stable social ties are important for the passage of the crisis.
It is important to help people and, more importantly, to ask for help if necessary. If you have strong social connections, then you will have a lower risk of being unemployed, and you will be able to survive the loss of a job more easily.
Natalia Nalivaiko, clinical psychologist:
“First, it is important to admit that you are afraid. And that it is normal to be afraid of being left without income in a situation of uncertainty and economic crisis. Then you should sit down and think: what will you do if this happens. Don’t make hasty decisions.
The fear is strongest when it seems that a possible dismissal is a complete collapse and uncertainty. Show your brain that this is not so, think over a «plan B». Perhaps this plan will not have to be implemented, but the very fact of its existence will reassure.
A calm person acts and works more efficiently than someone who is in constant anxiety.
For example, if you are afraid that your company may close at any time due to sanctions, then try to assess the situation on the labor market. Are there vacancies for specialists with your experience? Is it possible to move to an adjacent area? What else could you work for? Do you have a financial airbag? How long will it last? Who can you turn to for help?
And remember: even if you lose your job, this does not devalue you as a professional, and even more so as a person. Feel free to seek psychological help — there are many resources now where you can get it for free.
Who is most affected by this fear?
Natalia Nalivayko:
“People who do not have a financial airbag right now will feel the most anxious. As well as those who are the backbone of the family, who are forced to support not only themselves, but also those close to them. Those working in the public sector and government projects may be afraid of losing their jobs due to careless statements on social networks. And, of course, those who worked in areas that were directly affected by sanctions and blocking are worried.”
How to deal with the fact that the situation in the world is changing so quickly?
Sergey Chesnokov:
“It will definitely not work here to fight this, since these processes are much larger than us. The only thing we can do in our place is to support ourselves, take care of our condition, not make hasty decisions.
Natalia Nalivayko:
“To fight the situation in the world means to spend our strength and energy on something that is beyond our control. It is better to shift the focus of attention to yourself and your surroundings: what can I do now for myself and for those whom I can reach?
To what extent does the fear of the unknown interfere with life today and how to overcome it?
Sergey Chesnokov:
“The peculiarity of the current situation is that the planning horizon has narrowed to one day, one week. For many, the image of the future collapsed, some hopes collapsed. It is unlikely that this will be able to somehow quickly restore. But what, in my opinion, should not be done is to make some hasty decisions.
Decisions are best made at some point of equilibrium, and for this it is important to restore the possibility of orientation
When there is a lot of tension due to uncertainty, you want to relieve it, and people often take some kind of action just to make it easier. Actions are taken, decisions are made, and then it turns out that you have to face consequences that were not taken into account in advance.
Natalia Nalivayko:
“It is psychologically more difficult for those who can hardly endure the state of uncertainty and impotence. Try to find an activity in which you will feel your control over what is happening and can be not in the role of a victim, but a creator: volunteering, charity, growing plants, any kind of creativity, perhaps even ordinary cleaning.
Do not forget to take care of yourself: healthy sleep and rest, proper nutrition, physical activity. It seems banal, but it is all this that gives us the strength to cope with stress and anxiety. Maintain and restore social ties, help and accept help.”
Is it worth changing careers as an adult?
How stressful can it be to change careers as an adult? Is it worth going for it?
Sergey Chesnokov:
“Any major change comes with a high level of stress, even if the change is subjectively positive. When raising the question of changing jobs, it is important to consider whether this is a balanced decision or a forced measure. This will determine the strategy.»
Natalia Nalivayko:
“Work is not just an activity that allows us to earn money. As a rule, this is an important part of our self-identification, something that helps us feel our importance to society. Therefore, of course, changing jobs, even if it is a joy, is stressful, often accompanied by a crisis of self-determination. Not to mention the fact that, starting from scratch in a new field, you need to be prepared for the fact that wages will be lower for some time than at the previous job where you were an experienced specialist.
No one better than the person himself can assess the risks of changing a profession for him, so it is important to give yourself time to weigh the pros and cons.”
Text: Anna Vekshina