Staying Calm and Healthy During a Job Transition

By J. McKenna

It's Up to You

If you receive notice that your job is going away, take a deep breath and count the positives in your life - family, friends, health, skills, interests, and so on. When you face a crisis, just being alive is worth celebrating.

The Challenge of the Unknown - Managing Money

The major scare for most people is how to handle everything that your salary has been covering - mortgage payment, food, utilities, car payments, health insurance and so on. Your first challenge is to look at your obligations and do a transitional budget. Include everyone in your family in the discussion. When family members participate, they can offer healthy and positive suggestions for dealing with change. If they are left out, they can respond with fear and anger and create an environment that is tense and energy draining.

A budget or spending plan does not have to be complicated, and this transitional budget will not last forever. Start by listing basic categories that you must fund. They may include: food, housing, personal care, gas, utilities, gifts, pets, and miscellaneous. You should also include something for entertainment. Enter how much you are spending now. Now estimate how much income you will have from unemployment insurance, spouse's paycheck, children's work, and other sources. With this information, you and your family can make intentional choices. Where can you adjust to cover necessary expenses?

Look for ways to have fun with less money. What is going on in the community that offers low or no-cost entertainment for you and your family? This is the time to use the creative, resourceful side of your brain.

Most of us can do about anything if it won't last forever. It will be a full time job to to keep yourself and your family upbeat and fully functioning as you face the challenges of a job transition. This is a transition challenge that you can successfully address.