The State of Michigan is suffering. With all of the company lay offs and business restructuring, with health and pension benefits being reduced, many of our fellow citizens are living in fear of their jobs, healthcare and ability to afford to live from day to day. No community seems free of the far reaching impact of these economic changes. These changes in our community and society affect each one of us, directly or indirectly. It is interesting to note that a recent study showed that actually the numbers of unemployed have been higher before. What is different about the current changes is that more people have a profound feeling of hopelessness about the changes affecting us now than previously.

In this state of hopelessness we need to be able to live everyday and to try to, and hopefully succeed, in making a future for ourselves. There are, of course, no simple, immediate and full proof answers for how to make this happen. There are a number of suggestions, though, which can be shared here as a way of helping readers to get a handle on each one’s own situation. Take a deep breath. Find out what your current state of things is. If you have lost your job you will hopefully have received an explanation of your benefits. You will need to know fiscally and physically what your options are, from immediate to short range to long term needs. In this process you will also want to address your emotional, psychological and spiritual needs as well. Doing a thorough job of knowing about your fiscal needs will give you a starting point for planning your life from this point on.

Any time there is a change there are feelings of loss. So expect to feel some combination of anger, despair, bargaining, hopelessness and also a sense of peace and calm. In his book titled Transitions, author William Bridges tells us that in order to make a successful beginning we need to experience as complete an ending as possible. In this current economy this may mean leaving the culture, literally and figuratively, of the work setting you were in. Saying good by is important. As you move forward the direction may be uncertain. There may be no clear direction. This may be compounded by exploring many options of new jobs, new moves, the non working or part time working spouse going to full time, two incomes being reduced to one. In the midst of this confusion let new ideas emerge, whether good or not so good. Sort out options.

It goes without saying that just as in any time of emotional crisis while the tendency is often to go it alone this is a time for help and support. Specific things to do, such as networking groups and resume writing workshops may be absolutely necessary. While it is harder to re tool for a new career than not that may be something to consider. Keep your individual and couple and family relational and social needs paramount in your life. You and your loved ones are in this together. You may have to down size the kinds of things you do financially but finds ways to have fun in all three arenas, knowing that the negative feelings will return, but doing these healing things will help manage them more effectively.

That, perhaps, is the key to all of this. Managing your life differently. Many of the same activities and needs continue. What is different are the many new feelings in this change of life circumstance. Your faith and your faith community provide outlets of activity, worship, focusing on how your faith helps you sort out your priorities and needs, and offering both religious and relational support. There are people writing about the job loss situation, how similar and different it is from either being fired or retiring. Look specifically for resources in that area to help you understand your own particular situation.

Our whole region needs a sense of hope. Some say they are seeing this in new companies coming into the area and new jobs being created. As these changes occur in the larger world keep also focused on yourself. Your own attitude will not only help you but this larger picture as well.

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