I have just sent off the final proofs for my second book, Job Loss: What’s Next? a Step by Step Action Plan. I am convinced those who have lost jobs should read this book for comfort and for ideas.
I have a passion for those in this position, whether by injury, layoffs, moves, the economy, retirement, etc. Because our careers are so integral to who we are as people, not just our finances, changes in this sphere create havoc with our sense of worth and purpose.
We in this country especially used to be raised with the treasured Puritan work ethic: we are to work for what we get in return. I know it is an image all too soon fading from the American scene–the government will take care of you at others’ expense, so you feel entitled, even to the point of generational poverty. But, that’s a theme for another day’s writing.
Because we feel attached to the importance of what we do in our careers, our sense of loss when changes occur is palpable, and may lead to depression and even suicide when the victim is not reassured, or he/she does not attempt to change the situation. Regardless, I’ve addressed personality styles, the stages of grieving, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, volunteerism, and other useful information to share regarding the life-transforming events occuring around the topic of job loss. Please share this book with those you know who need it. Available at amazon.com
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.