Going back to work after a long layoff can be difficult. After months of searching, you must transition back to a work schedule, which may take some time. Your routine has centered around a job search, hobbies that keep you going, and spending more time with friends and family. Going back to work means that it is all about to change.
We know from working with thousands of candidates through the years that finding a new role is exciting and rewarding. We also understand that the transition can be difficult, whether you’re coming from another company or you’ve been out of work for a while.
For those who have been out of work for six months or more, the idea of returning to work, while exciting, is also scary and maybe even a little saddening. Career experts and mental health professionals say that these conflicting feelings are normal. The longer you’re involuntarily unemployed, the more concern you have that your skills may no longer be relevant.
Debra Brown, a Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist, in an article from the Ladders, shares, “From an emotional standpoint, your pace has been in the slow lane for a very long time. If you’re in a job where you’re suddenly put back in the fast lane, you are now challenged to get up to that pace as quickly as you can.”
The anxiety associated with getting up to speed again is just part of the emotional turmoil. One of the few benefits of being unemployed is having full control over your schedule. You can determine when you get up, what you will do throughout the day, and who you want to engage with. Giving up that control because of a new job is going to impact your mental state, even if you don’t realize it.
One way to combat these fears is to do your best to stay current in your industry. Continue to read and even learn new skills while you have the time. You can also look for volunteer opportunities or freelance assignments that will keep you updated with any changes.
Once you start a new job, you’ll also find that many of the skills and knowledge you may have been concerned you’d lost will return to you more quickly than you think. This will provide some sense of relief, but don’t try to do too much too soon. Work with your manager on a 30-60-90-day plan. This will help you reacclimate with an aligned set of goals. Knowing what is expected of you will also help reduce the stress you put on yourself to perform.
Another aspect to deal with is the fear of involuntary unemployment happening again. According to Brown, “People who return to the workforce after a long stretch of unemployment also often feel “anticipatory anxiety.” Once you’ve had [an involuntary job loss] happen to you, you have this anticipatory anxiety that it might happen again, and that might take some time to shake. If left unchecked, this anxiety could lead to self-sabotage.”
Going back to work after a long period of unemployment carries many emotions, and all of them are normal. Embrace the excitement of being part of an organization again and the financial security you’ve been missing for a while. At the same time, don’t feel bad for having feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fear. Your unique set of skills and leadership will provide value to your new employer and help you thrive in your new personal life.
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