New York Lawyer
December 4, 2003

Q:
I�m having trouble managing on a day-to-day basis with the uncertainty of a shaky job market. I�ve already been laid off once, and found another job quickly, but now this place is talking layoffs too. It makes me nuts � I�m thinking that maybe I need to look again, but meanwhile I need to keep my sanity while I figure out what to do. Any suggestions?

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A:

Focus on other areas of your life. If work is letting you down, strengthen other aspects of your life, such as your social life, hobbies, reaching out to family, and so forth. If in your anxiety you put all your energy into worrying about work, it will redouble your concerns.

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Make a hard and fast exercise schedule and try to stick to it no matter what. Keeping yourself in shape is a great way to feel good. It keeps your mind sharper and instills a sense of discipline and regularity in an uncertain world.

Don�t diet. If you exercise, you can indulge a little bit in comfort foods that can be a small but welcome refuge. It�s a mistake at a stressful time of your life to pile on a stressful dietary regime.

Avoid draining or competitive people. When you are networking or seeking feedback from friends or colleagues, be careful whom you consult. Avoid people who are highly competitive and given to those little verbal jabs that can shake an already wobbly self-esteem. Project confidence, not desperation. If you�re job hunting, don�t call when you�re feeling down or desperate � nothing drives people off faster. Wait until you feel good about something, like experiencing a success in your present job, so you can pick up the phone and follow up with a firm voice and upbeat manner.

Figure out the worst-case scenario and get comfortable with it. Ask yourself, what�s the worst that can happen in your situation? Could you lose your apartment, your house, etc.? One woman I know was so convinced that she would lose her job and not get another that she had mentally prepared herself � totally � to sell her house and move to a small apartment. When she landed a new, top-notch job, she was not only shocked, but surprised that she found she could live with a different lifestyle if need be. So, face the fears and work them out so that your fears don�t paralyze and panic you.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work