In the professional sphere, uncertainty is a constant. Sometimes, the scenarios can be especially daunting, like the impending layoffs that might be just around the corner. In such stressful situations, two psychological approaches – Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – can help navigate the choppy waters.
Stoicism, an ancient philosophy, teaches acceptance of the fact that much of life is out of our control. In the context of potential layoffs, the Stoic approach would be to focus on what one can control. This includes continuing to give one’s best at work, exploring new skills, or even considering potential job opportunities. The decision to let someone go ultimately rests with the employer, something an employee has no control over. By acknowledging this, one can alleviate stress and focus on positive actions.
On the other hand, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, focuses on identifying and redefining negative thought patterns. An employee under the stress of impending layoffs might be overwhelmed with negative thoughts – the fear of job loss, financial instability, or loss of professional identity. CBT encourages an individual to challenge these thoughts, assess their validity, and replace them with more rational and positive thought patterns.
For example, instead of the thought, “I will be jobless, and my career will be ruined,” CBT encourages a more balanced view: “Even if I lose this job, it’s not the end of my career. I have skills and experiences that can be valuable elsewhere.”
Applying both Stoic principles and CBT techniques, the employee facing layoffs might formulate a mental plan that looks like this:
- Acknowledge the situation: Understand and accept the possibility of job loss. This is the reality, and it’s beyond personal control.
- Redirect focus: Instead of worrying about the decision, focus on continuing to do the job effectively and on potential next steps in case of a job loss.
- Identify negative thoughts: When a negative thought like “I’m going to be jobless” arises, recognise it.
- Challenge and change: Assess the validity of the negative thought and replace it with a more balanced one, such as “Even if I lose my job, I have the skills to find a new one.”
Uncertainty can breed stress, but it also opens avenues for growth and resilience. By employing the principles of Stoicism and techniques of CBT, one can navigate this challenging phase with increased confidence and reduced anxiety, irrespective of the outcome.
