Losing your job just sucks. Even if you know it’s coming. Even if you hated the job. Even if your whole team was downsized. Even if you took early retirement or the voluntary leave package. Whether it gets called a reorganization, restructure, downsize, redundancy, reduction in force, layoff, transition, or some other euphemism, it is still difficult. Job loss tops those lists of most stressful life experiences, right after losing someone you love.

Losing your job can mean losing your financial security. For many people it means losing a part of their identity. Losing your job can feel like a failure, even when it is not your fault. It is normal to feel helpless and hopeless for a little while.