Anyone reading this article and has suffered a job loss recently IS taking the job loss seriously. The stages often are:

1. A sense of relief, sometimes euphoria if the job has been a bad one, and sadness if the loss has been unexpected.

2. Next comes anger, resentment and more sadness.

3. If the job was a bad one, sadness often leads to real depression and more anger. If the job was a good one, expect the same reactions.

4. Euphoria has gone, along with relief. If finances are grim, coping with money becomes desperate. If there is a money cushion for awhile, procrastination becomes a habit.

5. Stress because of being out of work, coupled with the other negative emotions, can make the household an emotional battleground.

6. If the emotional stability of the job seeker is frail, suicide might be contemplated.

7. How to get out of these traps? The two best methods are to have emotional support, even if you buy it, (counselor), and ACTION. Almost any physical action will get the job seeker started. And, getting started AGAIN at anything might make the difference. It's worth the try!

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A., Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, Website: www.doitnowcareers.info

FREE half hour consultations, always!