How to regain your confidence after losing a job

Losing a job, whether through a layoff or termination, is never easy. We start to question ourselves and keep wondering what we could have done differently. 

The pain of losing a job is not that different from losing a loved one for some people. It can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. We feel like we’ve failed so we start to lose our self-confidence. And without our confidence, we get stuck in this bubble believing that we won’t be able to find a good job again. We start to feel inadequate. 

However, we can’t keep hiding, wondering what if. We need to move forward in our careers. 

Now, the key to moving forward is to first regain your confidence.

Regaining your confidence after a job loss. 

Take time to heal

Like we’ve said earlier, losing a job can take a toll on your mental well-being. You need to give yourself time to accept and heal. Soak in the reality and try to accept it without blaming yourself. You must have put aside some savings over the past few years. Depend on that for a while and take some time off. Who knows? Maybe you’ve been too busy to enjoy your own company. Take advantage of the freedom and do what makes you happy. 

Take time to work out

Exercise releases endorphins, which are basically happy hormones. Physical activities relieve us of our stress and anxiety. So, start working out to let go of all the negativities and soak in all the positivity’s. You will get back into shape as well, which will definitely boost your confidence. 

Stick to your daily routine

You need a constant in your life and that is sticking to your daily schedule. If you miss a single routine, you will start to drift. You need to remind yourself that you are still the same as you with the same daily routine. This will help you in avoiding being in a state of stupor. The more you stick to your routine, the more you will feel like yourself. Make your job search a daily routine. Feeling like you have done something today that is in relation to your job will ignite a spark in you gradually. 

Broaden your horizon

Keeping oneself busy is the key to avoiding negative thoughts when one is down. There must be something you’ve always wanted to do, like painting or traveling, but never had the time because of your work. Use this time to indulge yourself in something you’ve never done before. Go out, find a new hobby, and meet new people. This will help you in feeling like your old zestful self again. 

Motivate yourself

Once or twice a day, look in a mirror and tell yourself that you matter, you are confident and a skillful and an accomplished person. Self-motivation helps in boosting confidence. Make this a part of your daily routine. 

Help those in need

You will be amazed at how wonderful you can feel when you’ve helped someone and you see the happiness in their faces. It has a way of warming your heart. Start volunteering in non-government organizations and help those in need. You will feel accomplished and fortunate. Every positive feeling is a step closer to regaining your confidence. 

It’s perfectly fine if you are going through the 5 stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). It is okay to take your time. Once you’ve reached Acceptance, it’ll be a smooth transition. To reach acceptance, do follow the above-mentioned tips.