Grieving the Loss of a Job

I have been quite candid about the loss of my 20-year career at a prestigious financial firm.  For me, the loss was sudden, shocking and devaluing because the choice wasn’t mine. Whenever your choice is taken away from you, whether it be in career, politics, relationships, or even sexuality… you feel violated. Violated is a strong word, but after giving part of my identity to a company that turned around and said you are no longer wanted, the only word that best described my feelings were “violated.”

We typically associate grief with the loss of a person or animal, but the loss of a career carries the same level of emotional attachment. According to the April 8, 2025, Forbes article, Hidden Struggles of Job Loss, “70% to 90% of unemployed individuals experience significant mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.”  This is why the grieving process is so important. Grieving allows us to process, express, and then release our emotions.

There is never a good time to be released from your job, but in my instance, I was let go right before a 2-week vacation to Thailand. I consider this a God-wink moment, because I was able to process the words, “We are letting you go” while there. I was then able to express my disappointment, anger, and feeling of betrayal in a different environment. I was able to release my emotions to the ocean and the sun that was powerfully in front of me, reminding me that as long as I have breathe in my lungs and faith in my heart, there is opportunity to do something new.  Lastly, grieving requires a support system.  Who is your support system?  Who will patiently listen while you process your feelings; be empathetic while you express your feelings; and then provide comfort when you release your feelings?  

Please know that professional help is always encouraged, especially if you find that you are grieving too long or your grieving has turned into something more sinister. Help is available, take advantage of it.

I give you permission to grieve.  It is an ugly and necessary process, but… it will bring healing.