Losing a job is not a small event in someone’s life. And if you have been laid off because of the pandemic crisis, you might face the standard stages of grief—running from the shock and being in denial, expressing your loss through anger, and eventually acceptance and hope for the future.
In the start you are bound to experience an emotional roller coaster ride that is filled with stress and shame. In such circumstances, facing your problem and opening about it to your family and taking further steps for economic stability is the only way to get through it, but how??
Get through with it yourself: Before you break the news to anyone in your family, it is important for you to thoroughly accept the situation without blaming yourself for it. Once you have accepted it, it will be easier for you to deal with any kind of suggestions, criticisms or opinions in a constructive way and move forward in a positive direction.
Breaking the news to parents: Let them know you have to talk to them about your job. The moment you realise you have their attention, tell them the truth about the situation. Choose the right words and don’t try and pass on the blame anywhere. Also, tell them all about your savings, how many months you can go with your savings, what all lifestyle modifications you think will have to be done, the amount of money you would be able to give at home and so on. Once they know about it, talk to them about the plan of action for the future months until you get a job.
Breaking the news to your partner/spouse: When you tell your partner about your layoff, try and be considerate for them as well. In most families, spouses postpone a plan to buy something for themselves in favour of more pressing needs...If your partner is completely dependent on you, try and make a plan yourself and ‘ask’ them if he/she can accompany you in this difficult time rather than forcing your plan on them. The chances of them being more mindful are high when you ask them their opinions and take them along on your tough journey.
If your partner is still earning, be transparent with them about all your finances—savings, investments--so that neither of you feels burdened with the daily expenses as your savings start to exhaust. It is important for both of you to make a plan on lowering the expenses, together.
Breaking the news to children: Understand that your kids might not understand the impact of the new right away. And if you feel fear in their eyes, be gentle and tell them that while I'm looking for a new job, we'll have more time to do things together. Also, tell them that you are working on it and soon things will be more cheerful because the main questions for children are: Are my parents okay? Is my life going to be able to go on?
P.S. It is highly possible that you get a lot of suggestions and opinions, from your parents or partner, while looking for a new job. In order to avoid any kind of outbursts later, listen to them but make a point to limit the intake since soon this kind of ‘help’-- opinions and suggestions might get taxing for you.