Unemployment: Why Did This Happen to Me?

Unemployment causes a multitude of emotions.  Anger, injustice, and shock name a few.  When the working mom loses her job, it can cause her to question her identity, worth, and future.

In this first post of the Working Mom Unemployed series, we will explore reasons for unemployment, emotions surrounding unemployment, and how to respond properly.

First, let me say that “why did this happen to me” is a perfectly reasonable question.  It’s worth spending a little time considering.  Learn what you can…then, move on!  

I believe that as women, we spend more time thinking about “why” because we are emotional creatures.  “Why” is not the most important question…to get stuck on.  It can be our ego talking.  Don’t believe me?  Google “why did this happen” and it will return “why did this happen to me.” 🙂

We think we need justification, but it doesn’t change the facts.

Reasons for Unemployment

Whether you were fired, laid off, quit your job, or the business closed, unemployment brings out many positive and negative emotions.

If You Were Fired…

• What can you learn?
• Immediately find part-time, temporary, or contract work.

If You Were Laid Off…

• Immediately file for unemployment benefits.
• Check with the unemployment office on the impact of part-time work on your benefits.

If You Quit…

• What can you learn?
• If you didn’t have something else lined up, immediately find part-time, temporary, or contract work.

If the Business Closed…

• Immediately file for unemployment benefits.
• Check with the unemployment office on the impact of part-time work on your benefits.

Emotions Surrounding Unemployment

In the months since my layoff, I have felt many emotions…and not necessarily in this order.

Negative Emotions

• Depression
• Anger
• Injustice
• Shock
• Hurt
• Fear

Positive Emotions

• Relief
• Thankfulness
• Appreciation
• Freedom
• Optimism

Moving Past “Why?”

Re-frame your feelings.  Try to learn something from this experience.  What positive things have happened as a result of your employment?  Think experiences, skills, references, friends, etc.

Ask yourself questions like, “what would I have done differently?” or “what life lessons or character traits do I need to work on?”

In the end, you may never have a good enough, final answer.  You will just have to have faith.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Hebrews 11:1)

Be encouraged.

At the end of the day, women and moms still manage to do it all:  search for work, manage the house, love our husband, care for the kids, and find a way to earn some money (and/or find ways to reduce our expenses).

The next post in this series will share practical advice to minimize the financial impact of unemployment and help ends meet.

How did you get past “Why?”

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