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Without another job lined up, quitting a job or getting fired can be brutal. Our work life is so deeply intertwined into our lives that we often can’t separate work from personal time.

We get off work, but we still think about the good or bad things that happened at work that day. If things were stressful or you made a mistake at work, do you not take that stress or anxiety home with you?

Ultimately, it’s hard to leave your feelings about work at work. And as a result, a piece of our lives, a piece of our being is at the mercy of a job. So, when you quit a job or get fired from a job you weren’t ready to leave, follow the 3 R’s to turn the situation into a positive and uplifting one: Reflect, Regroup, and Regain!

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Reflect.

You have to reflect at the end of any relationship whether it’s a personal relationship or your work relationship. Reflect on the entire job experience. What things went wrong? How did you handle it and how did you play a role in the situation? What could you have done differently or better? What things were really out of your control and what things were within your control? Did you contribute the quality and amount of work needed for the job?

You definitely have to take ownership of your shortcomings and/or problems in the workplace. You need to reflect back on your entire work experience so that you can learn from it and perfect the things that are within your immediate control.

Reflecting also gives you an opportunity to evaluate management in your company as a whole. If you’re interested in a career in management, then start thinking about what would be best practices in your industry. Of course, considering cost effectiveness as well. At the end of the day, never feel that any job was in vein. Take them all as valuable learning experiences!

Regroup.

After you reflect, you need to regroup. This means, you need to take the things that you have learned in your reflection and reorient yourself in areas you’ve realized need change. In regrouping, you’re actually developing yourself as a maturer and smarter worker. Regrouping allows you to become a better asset and performer for your next employer.

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Regain.

Regain control of your work life. While you should take a little time to yourself after your job ends, it still needs to be within reason.

Yes, you should lay on the couch and watch your favorite shows. Yes, you should indulge in a few of your favorite meals. Yes, you should take at least a few days to clear your mind and not think about anything. But, you can’t mope around forever and feel sorry for yourself.

Some people may have more of a financial cushion while out of work than others, but that doesn’t mean you can spend months doing nothing. You have to regain control of your life and get back out there. Scope out jobs on the Internet, start networking, consider volunteering. Whatever your career path is, pursue it!

When you reflect, regroup, and regain control after a job ends, you’ll find yourself in a much better place before you know it!

For more great advice, get my book: Picking up the Pieces: Rebuilding Yourself for the Love and Relationship You Deserve. 

Till Next Time,

Dee