Give Yourself the Gift of Resilience

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, and Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

In a book called “The Gift of Suffering,” Polly Young Eisendrath said there are seven things a child needs in their childhood to learn resilience and to live a purposeful adult life.

You may wonder what this has to do with job loss depression. Another author, in his book “The Personal MBA,” Josh Kaufman stated that the old saying “it is not what you know but who you know” is incorrect. Knowledge does matter. It often matters more than who you know. Knowledge can help you frame your experience and give you tools for coping and managing during both difficult and good times. My passion is digging up information from other fields that will help you, in your job search and in managing your feelings as you go through a career transition. I enjoy learning right along with you.

When you look at the seven characteristics listed below, think about these as tools to build your resilience during these difficult times. It can feel depressing to lose a job; however, with resilience you will not only make it through, you may learn some valuable lessons that put you on an even better path. Here are the seven things you need to build resilience:

• Some kindness

• Enough food, housing and clothing

• Love - whether given or received

• Plenty of opportunity for self-determination

• Some fundamental self-respect

• Enough return for your efforts in helping yourself or others so you can feel good about giving more

• Opportunity to use the abundance of your gifts, whether these are talents, talking back (voicing your opinion, your thoughts and your feelings and expecting respect in return), creativity or practical skills

Simple yes, easy, not necessarily – but doable, YES without a doubt - I hope this list sparks your creative brainstorming.  Consider finding ways to incorporate these seven things into your life and move through your depression to your next job. It may even be better than your last job.

You can begin by being kind to yourself. Acknowledge and accept all your thoughts and feelings. They are understandable considering this situation. You can show yourself respect by sharing your thoughts and feelings in a personal journal or with a trusted friend, trusted colleague, trusted family member, spouse, pastor or therapist. Begin by helping yourself, then reach out and help someone else in small or big ways. Start adding up your accomplishments and take note of your talents, skills and abilities. They are still there, ready to use in a new situation.

Difficulties can build resilience and endurance within, and you can move through depression, especially if you have the right knowledge and tools to frame your experience. Use these tools and go for your gold.

Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents are in tiptop shape. This is not the time to skimp on quality. Beware of well meaning friends or family members who want to help you write your resume. Beware of template resumes.

Wisdom - know when to seek help, whether that is finding a professional counselor or a professional resume writer.

Your resume, cover letter and other documents represent you and they better be good, especially during these economic times.

If you want more tips about job loss, job search, interviewing etc., consider reading our other blog entries that strike your interest. Remember knowledge is power. More power to you!

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Master’s in Education-Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com