“I stopped to say good morning to my boss, coffee in hand, and he looked like he’d just seen a ghost. ‘I have some bad news to share with you. We are eliminating your position.’”

For all the hope we invest in our careers, some chapters end abruptly—and painfully. After 25 years in HR, delivering news like this to others enough times to know what to expect, Mitch Eisman found himself on the other side of the table. Stunned. And while this story has a happy ending, Mitch’s journey highlights valuable lessons about how to rebuild when you lose your job.

Facing the Hard Reality of Day One

At age 55, with a child who had just graduated from college and a recent investment in major home renovations, Mitch recalls the immediate aftermath of the news.

“I spent the first two hours after getting the news literally sitting in my office by myself with the lights out, trying to figure out my next move.”

Even as an HR professional who had guided others through this transition, Mitch was thrown completely off-kilter. The uncertainty put his mental health in a dark place.

“A job defines who you are. It’s tied to your self-worth, your self-image. I felt anger, fear, and, I have to admit, a lot of embarrassment.”

This sense of identity loss underscores how profound the impact of losing a job can be—emotionally, financially, and professionally.

Building a Support Foundation

Many people in this situation feel immediate pressure to update their resume and start applying—addressing the practical problem of finding their next role. But Mitch knew from experience that making major decisions from a place of desperation could backfire.

So, he decided to rewrite the playbook.

He didn’t touch his resume. He didn’t hop on LinkedIn. Here’s what he did:

  • Within hours of receiving the news, he scheduled an appointment with a therapist through his company’s mental health benefit.
  • The next day, he contacted his financial advisor to let him know that there could be a significant change in his financial situation.
  • He then reached out to longtime friend and Staffing Advisors President Bob Corlett for insight about the current job market, “What does it look like out there for people like me?”

Instead of rushing out to look for jobs in a panic, he focused on gathering information and building a strong personal and professional support system.

“What I learned from my first therapy appointment was to really spend some time leaning into the emotions. Not to get stuck but to understand them. I had to before I could move forward.”

Embracing the Uncomfortable

When friends and loved ones assured Mitch that “everything’s going to be okay,” he found strength in a simple response that became his mantra. “I appreciate you saying that, but I’m not there yet.”

This wasn’t just about being honest—it was about giving himself permission to work through this at his own pace.

“I knew logically that everything was going to be okay,” he reflects. “I’ve had a good career working for good organizations. I interview well. I’ve always found jobs when I needed to. But I wasn’t ready to hear that yet.”

For anyone grieving a job loss, this approach is powerful. Acknowledge where you are and let others know. Surround yourself with people who can be in that uncomfortable space with you. And when well-meaning friends or colleagues suggest a new career path or share job postings, use Mitch’s mantra:

“Thank you, but I’m not there yet.”

Moving Forward

Weeks later, when Mitch had progressed to a more logical and rational mindset, he moved from therapy to career coaching. He began focusing on the next critical steps: polishing his career story, networking, and applying for positions.

Within five months, Mitch was offered a senior HR position at a large national nonprofit, where he is thriving today. The experience, though difficult, has changed him for the better.

“I will be a more effective HR professional because of what I went through,” he reflects. “I’ll be a better coach and mentor for others facing job changes. And quite frankly, I’ll be a better leader because it’s reinforced my sense of empathy. That’s why I want to share this, to pay those lessons forward.”

He shared some insights on how to support someone who is going through this:

  • For organizations: Access to mental health benefits can make the difference between a difficult transition and a devastating mental health crisis. Be proactive in providing this benefit for your employees.
  • For HR professionals: Job loss is a life-changing event that affects families and futures. Provide clear information, resources, and support from day one. Be empathetic.
  • For friends and loved ones: Follow the lead of the person dealing with the news. Meet them where they are. When they’re ready to move forward, they’ll let you know. Until then, just listen. Be there.

And, most importantly, for anyone experiencing a job loss now: You’re going to be confronted with several complex challenges—emotional, financial, and professional. Each needs attention, but you don’t have to address them all at once. Start with your mental health. Give yourself permission to handle the transition in the way that works for you.

This process is hard, and it’s okay to not be okay. One day soon, you will be.

Resources to Help You Rebuild