Dr. Vikas Vats, a qualified Organizational Psychologist and Founder of HR Association of India, shares valuable insights on how couples can navigate the challenges of job loss and strengthen their relationship. He emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication, empathy, and practical support in overcoming the financial and emotional impact of job loss. An exclusive at Baely with Consulting Editor Mahima Sharma.
Dr. Vikas Vats: When facing the challenges of job loss, open and honest communication is crucial for both partners in a relationship. The person who lost their job can start by expressing their feelings and concerns to their partner, sharing the financial and emotional impact it has had on them. This can be done by setting aside dedicated time for a heart-to-heart conversation, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.
The person experiencing job loss can also provide specific examples of how their emotions and stress levels have been affected, such as increased anxiety or changes in their self-esteem. This helps the other partner gain insight into the depth of the impact and respond accordingly.
For example, the person who lost their job could say, "I wanted to talk about how losing my job has affected me emotionally and financially. I've been feeling really anxious and uncertain about the future, and it has taken a toll on my self-confidence. I wanted to share this with you so we can navigate through this together."
On the other hand Mahima, the other partner, as a support system, can actively listen and validate their feelings, expressing empathy and reassurance. They can offer practical assistance by exploring job opportunities together, assisting with job applications or networking, or even adjusting their budget to accommodate the temporary financial setback. Additionally, engaging in activities that foster emotional well-being, such as going for walks or practicing mindfulness together, can provide much-needed emotional support.
In this scenario, the other partner could respond, "I'm sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how challenging it must be. Please know that I'm here for you, and we'll find a way to get through this. Let's start by looking for job opportunities together and updating your resume. We can also adjust our spending temporarily until things stabilize. And remember, I believe in you and your abilities."
By fostering open communication, empathy, and practical support, partners can strengthen their bond, navigate the challenges of job loss together, and build resilience as a couple.
Dr. Vikas Vats: During the sensitive situation of job loss, both partners should be mindful of their words, actions, and attitudes to avoid hurting each other. It's important to remember that societal gender roles can influence power dynamics within relationships, especially during times of financial stress.
A therapist can also help couples navigate the emotional challenges of job loss, improve communication, and develop coping strategies. Therapy provides a safe space to express concerns and find healthy ways to manage stress, ultimately promoting mental well-being for both partners.
Dr. Vikas Vats: Couples facing financial uncertainty due to job loss can navigate this challenging situation by adopting a collaborative approach that prioritizes their mental well-being. Partner A and Partner B may experience different levels of stress individually, which can impact their overall relationship.
In terms of managing finances, creating a joint budget can help establish a sense of control and reduce uncertainty. Together, they can analyze their expenses, prioritize essential needs, and explore potential ways to cut costs. It can be done in three steps:
Remember, every couple's situation is unique, and it's essential to work together to find strategies that work best for them.
Dr Vikas Vats: Certainly Mahima, I can provide you with a couple of success stories from India where couples successfully navigated job loss and emerged stronger in their relationship. Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
The first case of Rahul and Meera: Rahul, a software engineer, lost his job unexpectedly due to a company downsizing. This sudden change put a strain on their finances and caused tension in their marriage. Through counseling, they were able to communicate openly about their fears and anxieties. They worked together to create a budget, cut unnecessary expenses, and explored alternative job opportunities. Meera, a graphic designer, offered freelance services to supplement their income temporarily. This challenging period brought them closer as they supported each other emotionally and found strength in their shared goals. Eventually, Rahul secured a new job and they celebrated their ability to weather the storm together, emerging with a deeper understanding of each other.
The second case is of Sanjay and Priya: Sanjay, a marketing executive, faced a job loss which led to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Priya, a teacher, encouraged him to pursue his passion for writing and supported his decision to take a sabbatical to explore new opportunities. During this time, they attended couples therapy to strengthen their communication and maintain a positive outlook. Priya also took up additional tutoring to support their finances temporarily. As Sanjay dedicated himself to writing, he found a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Priya's unwavering support and belief in his abilities played a significant role in his success. Eventually, Sanjay secured a writing position that exceeded his expectations, and their shared experience of overcoming adversity deepened their bond.
These success stories demonstrate that with open communication, mutual support, and a willingness to adapt, couples can navigate job loss and emerge stronger in their relationship.
Dr. Vikas Vats: Yes, India has several community resources and support groups that can provide valuable assistance to couples dealing with the aftermath of job loss. The National Career Service (NCS) is a government initiative providing career counseling, job listings, and vocational training for job seekers in India. Platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, and Facebook host professional networking groups, enabling couples to connect with industry professionals and explore job opportunities. Counseling centers offer guidance and coping strategies for individuals and couples facing job loss, while non-profit organizations focus on job placement assistance, vocational training, and emotional support. Research and connect with resources that suit your needs and location. These examples serve as starting points for couples seeking support after experiencing job loss. Remember, it's important to research and connect with resources that align with your specific needs and location. These examples can serve as starting points for couples seeking support during the aftermath of job loss.
About Dr. Vikas Vats
Besides being the Founder and President of the HR Association of India and the Founder of Vats Consulting, Dr. Vikas Vats is also a qualified Organizational Psychologist. He has a proven track record of delivering high-impact coaching, training, and developmental interventions. He shares that a data-driven approach helps him create result-oriented HR Interventions for Organizations. Currently, he is doing lots of work on HR Analytics and is also writing a book on the same.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed within this interview are the personal opinions of the protagonist/protagonists. The facts & statistics, the work profile details of the protagonist/ protagonists do not reflect the views of Baely or the Journalist. Neither Baely nor the Journalist hold any responsibility or liability for the same.
