4 strategies for when you're going to lose your job but you don't know when

"Most of us know that job loss is emotionally difficult, but what's less talked about is the experience of knowing you will be terminated without knowing when. This process can be drawn out and draining-a form of anticipatory grief-an emotional response to a loss before it occurs. Often experienced by the loved ones of terminally ill patients, a version applies in the workplace when job loss is on the horizon."

"It's tempting to wait for clarity on your situation before taking action. But even during the fog of ambiguity, creating time for thinking is beneficial. One of my clients, Matt, was a director at a global finance firm that was being acquired, creating duplicate functions. He agreed to stay on to lead the reorganization and focused all his time on the business priorities, not his own."

Anticipatory grief can occur when workers know job loss is likely but timing is unknown, producing drawn-out emotional strain. Leaders in limbo due to mergers, acquisitions, funding losses, or downsizing often experience loss of self-identity, irritability, and helplessness from lack of control. Proactive steps help maintain grounding and resilience. Scheduling time for reflection and forward planning aids clarity about short- and long-term priorities. Creating a career vision and answering targeted questions—such as where one wants to be in ten years—supports concrete steps toward an ideal future. Delaying planning until circumstances force action increases vulnerability to abrupt loss.

Read at Fast Company