Change
Some Helpful Exercises
Let's examine the way you're feeling about your employment situation. Now is the time to be truly honest about those feelings.
Many of us believed that if we worked hard, gave 110 percent to the employer, went the extra mile and did our very best, the company would take care of us and we'd enjoy a comfortable retirement. Suddenly, that was no longer the way companies did things.
More and more employers let long-term employees go. Along with the layoff comes the cancellation of life, health and dental insurance. The pension some of us were counting on to make retirement dreams come true ends up being spent to pay bills for health insurance, mortgage and car payments. This isn't at all what we expected. And even if this wasn't your plan, whatever happened to being treated fairly?
If you're new to the labor market or haven't worked for a while, you might wonder where the decent paying jobs are. You're ready, available and looking for work, but there are no jobs.
These exercises ask you to take an honest look at where you are in the process. They cover some very personal feelings. Complete them in a place where you feel safe.
Say or write down what's on your mind about your last job. It doesn't have to be sensible or logical . . . no one else needs to see them.
How do you feel about your job situation? Write what you're feeling. Don't censor yourself; just let it out.
If you’re at a loss for words, click here a list of “feeling words” that might help.
What changes have occurred in your life over the past 12 months and how do you feel about these changes?
The changes may have occurred in your employment situation or in other areas of your life. No matter what the changes may have been, it's valid to look at how you feel about them.
Click here for a work sheet that will help you examine your feelings.