Gather Little by Little

his week at Gather Little by Little, we have been discussing a person’s response to job loss. On Monday and Wednesday, I listed a dozen moves to make. I once had a supervisor from whom I learned a great deal about business, management and leadership. He always used to say that he wanted our meetings to be “solution-oriented”. Meaning that while there is value in taking time to review and analyze, too much of that kind focus can make skull sessions degenerate into griping, complaining and worry. He wanted us to spend our time focused on solutions and he welcomed any positive suggestion. Not all suggestions were put into practice, but by the end of our time, we always created a list of possible theories or strategies to research and one of them was bound to work.

Long-term unemployment is no fun – unless you are living in your parent’s basement. However, losing you job can be a positive thing. Let me try to challenge and encourage your attitude:

Job loss might be an opportunity

At the very least, losing your job is a chance for a new beginning, a chance to do something new. It might even be an opportunity for you to take a chance and really focus on an occupation that you love. Maybe you are just punching the clock for a paycheck at your current job and your passions lie somewhere else. If that is the case, use unemployment to do something that you love, start a business, maybe expand your training or take some time to really research the market in the field that you like. I am always amazed by the many different jobs that are created when one person faces adversity and has a good idea.

Do not be ruled by fear, take a chance and maybe, just maybe you will be better off than before.

Job loss might be a motivator

Fear can be a motivator. It is a terrible feeling to have the responsibility to provide for a family, but not have the means to do so. Use that fear to lend energy to your efforts. We run the fastest when we are the most frightened. Necessity is the mother of invention and desperation can be productive.

Do not give up, do not panic, instead, use fear to add earnestness to your prayers, to add hope to your thoughts and diligence to your work.

Job loss might be a chance to relax

Did you really like your job in the first place? I know that we all have to work, but maybe you needed a break. Approach the first few days as a vacation. Hopefully you get a little severance or some additional pay. Use it to take a deep breath and relax. For some of us, our jobs might be slowly killing us . .

If your job was not stressful, if it was a labor of love, be thankful. You are blessed and you might not have as much need to relax.

Might be an opportunity to exercise trust

The bottom line? God has promised to meet our needs if we trust Him. Your job loss is a chance for you to exercise and thereby strengthen your faith.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. – Matthew 10:29-33

Article by Stew

Photo by aussiegall