How we lose a job is not really as important as how we cope with the loss.
Katherine Foster, Blu Ripples Founder, 18 Sept 2010
A long time ago, probably close to 16 years ago, a wise individual shared with me an eloquent acronym (original source unknown) for grief and loss associated with loss in general however one perceives it to be pertinent in this situation (Career Counselling – Job Loss).
The acronym is SARA.
SARA is defined as the following experiences: –
| S | Shock or Sadness |
| A | Anger or Annoyance |
| R | Revenge or Rejection |
| A | Acceptance |
SARA Stages – What to Expect
Stage 1. – Shock
When one first learns of ones unplanned job loss they may have the propensity to feel sad or be in a state of shock as the event came out of the blue.
Stage 2. Anger or Annoyance
The 2nd phase will see the person potentially displaying or feeling anger or annoyance at the situation, even possibly at the company or the individual who terminated their service.
Stage 3. Revenege or Rejection
The 3rd Phase is Revenge or Rejection. That is you may be feeling like you want pay back (trust me this is not worth it) or perhaps you are withdrawing from life and taking the situation on board as a personal insult – that is, you may be feeling worthless because you have now been excluded from your work environment and/or team.
Stage 4. Acceptance
Finally, Phase 4 is Acceptance. The process by which you accept the situation for what it is and move onwards and upwards with your life. However, it should be noted that some people can get stuck in this phase, if this is indeed the case one reminds you not to focus on what you have lost (negative) but on what this change can do to improve you life (positive).
Blu Ripples – “Helping you through life’s ripples” ®
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (2010 Version)
Katherine is the Founder of Blu Ripples, a Counselling practice in Sydney, NSW.
Initially commencing in 2003 as HR Aspects (Career Consulting Practice), Katherine rebranded her business to Blu Ripples in 2009 to incorporate Personal, Career and Workplace Counselling Services into her practice.
Katherine is a nationally registered Counsellor and a current Member of the Australian Counselling Association.
Before commencing her private practice in 2003, Katherine predominantly worked in Human Resources and Administration.
© 2010 - Katherine Foster T/as Blu Ripples
Updated Version 10 Jan 2024; Originally Posted 19 Sept 2010.
Katherine's Photograph 2023