Job loss can trigger feelings of anxiety and diminished self-worth, but experts say these emotional responses are common and can be managed through healthy coping strategies.
When Dubai resident A.K. was laid off in March after 18 years with the same employer, he described it as “the single most unsettling experience” of his life. After months without work, he said he often found himself “going to a dark place” and struggling with feelings of worthlessness that he works hard to overcome.
According to Chris Miller, such emotions are common among people who lose their jobs. “They begin feeling like a burden if their partner is the one bringing in the income,” he said.
“This can be particularly challenging for men who view themselves as the primary financial providers for their families,” said Chris Miller. “There is often a sense of lost purpose, especially when a person’s identity is closely tied to their job title, along with the broader feelings of shock and uncertainty about what the future may hold.”
Family adjustments
The financial impact on A.K. was immediate. With his wife’s income alone insufficient to support the family, they were forced to make significant lifestyle changes. Their daughter was withdrawn from nursery, and the family began preparing all meals at home. Despite submitting hundreds of job applications, A.K. said the only offers he has received are for salaries amounting to just a quarter of what he previously earned.
He also spoke about his struggle with feelings of worthlessness. “I do some online therapy, which has helped me,” he said. “Spending time with my daughter also helps a lot. I’m holding on to the belief that things will get better soon.”
According to Mina Shafik, the effects of job loss often extend beyond the individual. “Families frequently absorb the shock alongside the employee,” she said. “Financial strain, uncertainty, and lifestyle changes can create tension, while feelings of guilt and frustration may sometimes surface as irritability at home. This is rarely intentional, but partners and children still feel the impact, which is why early, open communication and shared problem-solving are so important.”
Chris Miller also encouraged transparency with partners. “Being open and honest isn’t about burdening them,” he said. “It helps reduce uncertainty and gives them an opportunity to provide support and be part of the solution.”
How to cope with job loss
Shafik recommended seeking professional support sooner rather than later. “The question is not whether someone can cope alone, but whether they should have to,” she said. She advised reaching out for help if symptoms such as persistent low mood, hopelessness, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, or thoughts of self-harm continue for more than a couple of weeks.
She also suggested creating structure during periods of uncertainty. “Write down every task—job applications, finances, documents—and spend about 30 minutes on each brainstorming practical next steps,” she said. “Commit to at least one small action in every area each day, whether that’s updating your CV or sending out five applications. At the end of the day, record what you accomplished and how you felt, then close the notebook. This routine can help restore a sense of control and protect your sleep.”
Miller advised treating a job search like a full-time role. “Maintain a routine, wake up at the same time each day, get dressed, and set daily goals,” he said. He also stressed the importance of physical activity and spending time outdoors, noting that movement and sunlight can play a significant role in supporting mental well-being.
For job seekers in the UAE, he recommended looking beyond LinkedIn by networking, volunteering, and connecting directly with prospective employers.
“Be consistent, be patient, and be kind to yourself,” he said. “Progress comes through action, and every step forward matters.”
