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Job loss means losing much more than just a paycheck – it means losing critical psychological benefits like time structure, social connections, and collective purpose all at once. In this special two-part series, we explore how these hidden losses impact our wellbeing and share research-backed strategies for rebuilding during unemployment.

• Time structure provides psychological stability and security that suddenly disappears with job loss
• Finding a balanced routine during unemployment is crucial – avoid both completely unstructured days and frantic overwork
• Research shows maintaining moderate time structure during unemployment significantly improves mental health outcomes
• Social connections at work represent unique relationships that bridge our personal networks with broader society
• Many people withdraw socially during unemployment precisely when connection is most needed
• Different types of support (practical, emotional, informational) become valuable at different stages of unemployment
• Collective purpose connects our individual efforts to something larger and more meaningful
• Volunteering during unemployment provides structure, connection, and purpose while potentially improving employment prospects
• Studies show people who volunteer at least 2 hours weekly are 27% more likely to be employed within a year
• Creating "purpose projects" can maintain skills while providing meaningful contribution during unemployment
• Understanding these challenges is the first step toward navigating them effectively during the job search process

Join us for our next episode where we'll explore the remaining three major losses that come with unemployment: status, identity, and regular activity.

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Stephen Reed shares his journey from successful entrepreneur to complete business collapse and back again, revealing how his recovery led to a global coaching career spanning 40+ countries.

• Started his entrepreneurial journey at 20 years old selling catering equipment
• Built a thriving multi-branch business before entering a problematic verbal agreement
• Lost his business, marriage, and homes after a lengthy, expensive court battle
• Found healing through working with entrepreneurs in impoverished communities
• Used physical fitness and endurance sports to rebuild mental strength
• Learned the crucial importance of self-forgiveness and focusing on strengths
• Built a new career coaching entrepreneurs and leaders globally
• Now helps others find their strengths rather than focusing on risks and fears

Take a breath and stop being judgmental about yourself. We all mess up, that's part of life. Find a support structure and look after your physical and mental health - they're connected.

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-big-let-down/

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We explore the widespread impact of job loss and the invisible stigma that comes with unemployment, revealing that three out of four American workers will experience this challenge at some point in their careers. Despite common assumptions, research shows that education, experience, and track record don't shield anyone from the possibility of unemployment.

• Long-term unemployment (six months or longer) creates an "unemployment trap" where the longer someone is unemployed, the harder it becomes to re-enter the workforce
• Job loss impacts more than just income—it disrupts time structure, social connections, collective purpose, status, identity, and regular activities
• Employers demonstrate bias against candidates with employment gaps regardless of qualifications
• The SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) explains why job loss feels so threatening to our fundamental sense of self
• Effective coping strategies include self-compassion, maintaining social connections, accepting reality, and developing a step-by-step plan to move forward
• Organizations have a responsibility to provide support for both tangible (financial) and intangible (emotional, identity) needs during layoffs
• Challenging meritocratic beliefs that blame individuals for unemployment is crucial for reducing stigma

Remember, your professional identity is just one part of who you are. Sometimes what feels like a setback can be the beginning of something new.

Support the show

https://www.mybigletdown.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-big-let-down/