The 10 stages of unemployment

The economy is getting better, but while there is reason to be more hopeful, it’s important to recognize that layoffs will always be a part of the employment cycle.

Whether you’ve felt them before, are feeling them now, or are afraid of what the future might hold, here are the 10 stages of unemployment:

1. Shock

Even if there are signs of trouble at your firm, most people don’t expect to be laid off. Rather than listening to your employer’s parting words, you find yourself wondering, “Is this happening?” You only snap out of it when they extend their hand to wish you well on your future endeavors.

2. Fear

Your world just crashed, and as you pack your things, you mindlessly say goodbye to friends, trying to be positive.

3. Confidence

Your skills and experience are up-to-date and relevant, so why shouldn’t you bounce back? It won’t be long before you line up a job offer. The question is: Which one will you take? The job search is your full-time job.

4. Frustration

The phone doesn’t ring and the emails don’t come as quickly as you would have liked. You feel unwanted.

5. Desperation

You start applying for every job that even remotely seems like a decent fit. You’ll take a pay cut; you’ll relocate; you’ll even switch careers.

6. A sliver of light

You finally get an interview. You don’t even apply for jobs anymore, because you’re sure that you got the job.

7. Rejection

They turned you down. You give up on the job search. “I’m going to be unemployed forever,” you think to yourself. You even believe that wallowing in self-pity might work: Maybe the universe will feel bad enough that a job will magically fall in your lap.

8. Acceptance

You stink. Your beard looks disgusting. You need a haircut and quite possibly a shower. It’s time to get serious. No one said getting a job would be easy. You just need to get tougher and do whatever it takes to get hired.

9. Resurgence

You get back on the horse and tackle the job search like never before, thinking outside the box and finding new ways to get your resume out there.

10. Resurrection

You hear the words you’ve been waiting to hear: “When can you start?”

Vault is the trusted source for professionals and students pursuing and managing high-potential careers and employers seeking to engage this valuable audience. Visit www.vault.com to read more.