Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger The Stages of Job Loss
Nov 27, 2025
Dr. Sharon Melnick, a business psychologist and executive coach, dives deep into the emotional landscape of job loss, explaining how it affects identity and purpose. She outlines the five stages of grief that accompany layoffs and offers strategies for coping, like reframing negative thoughts and using calming techniques to manage anxiety. Sharon emphasizes the importance of viewing job loss as an opportunity for growth and encourages young workers to embrace new experiences. Her insights provide a roadmap for navigating these challenging transitions.
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Job Loss Hits Beyond The Paycheck
- A job often supplies identity, routine, social connection, and predictability beyond pay.
- Losing work can feel like those pillars are pulled out, creating emotional as well as financial pain.
CEO Who Carried A Failure Story
- Sharon describes a newly hired CEO who was terminated earlier and carried the belief 'it means I'm a failure.'
- That self-story left him shellshocked and hampered his effectiveness in the new role.
Calm Your System Before Acting
- Do emotion-focused coping first so your nervous system calms before you enter action.
- Use techniques that lower activation to think clearly and avoid impulsive choices.
