What happens to a person when they lose their job?
Mia Phillips
Updated on April 02, 2026
“Losses can be devastating,” says Sarah Griffin, a licensed mental health counselor in Everett, Washington, “and being laid off is a primary loss.” The first couple of weeks following a job loss often involves a period of adjustment, which may or may not include grief.
What to say to a friend who lost their job?
The loss of a job is frequently cited as a situation that can lead to depression, so be observant. If your friend becomes depressed or withdrawn, state your concern and recommend professional help. BBC News: What to Say to a Friend Who’s Lost Their Job?
What did I do when I lost my first job?
I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but after I lost my first job, I didn’t even want to look at the question. So instead I got really lost and even drunker. During the day, I’d wander around the city with my laptop, usually landing at this little Ethiopian coffee shop that had John Mayer’s greatest hits on repeat and a liberal BYO policy.
What happens to Beth Pearson when she loses her job?
When Beth Pearson suddenly loses a job she’s had for several years, she tries to hold herself together, but in recent episodes, the stress got the better of her. She ends up telling Randall that she’s been acting like she’s OK, but she’s not.
Even if you didn’t love your job, it likely provided you a social outlet and gave a structure, purpose, and meaning to your life. Suddenly finding yourself out of work can leave you feeling hurt, angry, or depressed. You might be questioning your identity, grieving all that you’ve lost, or feeling anxious about what the future holds.
Is it normal to be depressed after losing a job?
It’s normal to feel angry, hurt, or depressed, grieve for all that you’ve lost, or feel anxious about what the future holds. But no matter how devastating your losses seem right now, there is hope. With time and the right coping techniques, you can come to terms with these setbacks, ease your stress and anxiety, and move on with your career.
How to deal with grief after losing your job?
Grief is a natural response to loss, and that includes the loss of a job. Losing your job forces you to make rapid changes, which can leave you feeling upset, angry, depressed, or out of balance. Give yourself time to adjust. Grieving the loss of your job and adjusting to unemployment can take time.