This is my last week of work and I just need to share how completely distressed I am by it.

It is my final week of: financial security, steady work, and self-respect.

I feel like such a failure for not having a job lined up, but I didn't want to settle for retail or fast-food so this is what I get... anxiety = a lot of mixed emotions that either end with me breaking up into tears or throwing up my most recent meal. Somehow, the worst part of dealing with this week is receiving the amount of gifts, cards, and well-wishes from all my soon-to-be former co-workers. I should be proud that they think so much of me to have organized so many luncheons and outings, but instead I feel bitter and even resentful that they're treating it like a celebration, instead of for the situation as it is: a termination of employment.

I am just so ungrateful for these gestures because I'm so scared of what next week will bring without a job. Lately, I haven't been doing so well during weekends in keeping busy and keeping my anxiety in check. Yet, I have a lot of creative projects lying around, but the self-discipline just hasn't been there. And despite the length of these projects, I still can't bring myself to treat them like a full-time job.

I am a single 23-year-old so I do not have the support of a boyfriend/spouse to turn to and, in situations regarding my anxiety, my parents and family have not been of great comfort. Easily, I can make rent without a job for one month, maybe two, but the overall picture is that I am struggling to deal with the emotions and anxiety that surround my desperate financial situation.

Lena,
Losing one's sense of financial stability can be very stressful! You will have to make a decision on how you are going approach finding employment. This can be an exciting time for you to try new opportunities and develop broader skill-sets. This makes everyone more employable. As you embark upon filling out applications and participating in interviews do not feel like a failure in the processs - even if a company does not feel you are their best candidate. Immerse yourself in the opportunities not the what/if's!

Keep us informed and best of luck!

I recently had a 14 year job that I loved end. It was awful. My boss retiered and was so happy, and I was miserable. I found that the anxiety of facing finding new work was easier to deal with then the anxiety of not looking and just worrying about not having work. I listened to lesson 12 and that helped get me moving. also the one about worry, and how getting busy to solve the problem to deal with the worry. I just started a new job and it is hard, but its only week 2. Just have to tell yourself that the effort is hard to make, but it will be the best thing you can do for yourself. Good luck.

Lena, I am sorry you lost your job. It hurts when that happens. I've been there a few times myself. But, it's not the end of the world. There are other opportunities. Steve and Rose have given you some great advice.

Here's two ideas which can keep income coming in until you find the job you want.

http://www.expressyouraddress.com/

http://www.liveops.com/

I operated a lawn mowing service for about 5 years is another idea. Cleaning houses also pays pretty well. Wishing you the best of luck with your search. You are not a worm!


What about drawing unemployment?

It's normal to have anxiety when losing a steady source of income. What's not normal is to blow it up out of all proportion and catastrophize about it and make it a lot bigger issue than it needs to be. Seek to put the skills of the program to work for you as you work through your circumstances. Challenge the negative thoughts, don't assume they reflect reality just because you feel the emotions. Feelings are not facts. If our thoughts are distorted and not in line with reality, our emotions will reflect our thoughts and will not be in touch with reality either.

I would recommend trying another avitar. Your current one reinforces a very negative belief about yourself. It's simply not healthy.

Thank you for the advice. I will have to return to the program and consult quite a few lessons that I am not practicing properly (or at all, for that matter). Having a steady income won't solve all my problems. It's clear that I have just been building that safe place around my job and using it as a distraction for any unhappy and unsatisfied feelings.