Here are some practical steps for coping with the stress of losing a job.

• Seek God’s guidance for your future. 
• Network, network, network. Contact ten to twenty people a day. Each person you meet has the potential of knowing 250 people you don’t know. Networking expands your opportunities to hear about job openings not listed to the public.
• Watch for networking opportunities in all situations.
• Make a schedule for contacting companies and develop a follow-up plan.
• Pursue a variety of options so when one resource fails, you still have others available.
• Find a support group that focuses on helping those who have lost their job.
• If a group is not available, find someone with whom you can share your concerns.
• Recognize you have a temporary job; it is to find a job. Get up each day, get dressed, and follow your plan.
• Seek godly, wise counsel who will help you honestly and candidly address and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Recognize this evaluation has the potential to make you more marketable. Address any weaknesses and make a plan (i.e. improve your computer skills, volunteer at an organization where you could expand your skills, etc.).
• Care for your emotional, physical, and spiritual well being through regular exercise (a stress reducer), eating well, avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar, and focusing on the positive.
• Trust God’s promises.
  • I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
  • “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
  • Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8).

Jeanette Downs Pettitt directs the Career Services Office at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Jeanette assists students and alumni with their career needs including assessment, planning, employment exploration, and information dissemination.