These are uncertain times. We are all, in one way or another, affected by the coronavirus pandemic. However, one of life’s harshest experiences that many have unfortunately had to deal with is unemployment.

‘Whether you’ve been laid off or fired, job loss can be devastating. Your career, finances and self-esteem can all be hit hard. This can have an immediate impact on your security and well-being, as well as knock-on effects for your family.

‘But, while losing your job may be out of your control, the way that you react to it is not. With a determination to bounce back, and a focus on the positive aspects of your situation, you can turn adversity into opportunity, even in tough economic times,’ on the word of the article ‘How to Recover From Job Loss’ published by Mind Tools.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Service and Labour between the months of March and April last year revealed the status of employment relations in the informal sector in Rwanda.

While losing your job may be out of your control, the way that you react to it is not. Net photo.

For instance, out of 4,150 establishments that were conducted; 2,450 continued operating while 1,700 were temporarily suspended.

Among these establishments, and out of a total number of 94,509 workers, 54,609 people were fully salaried, 1,143 were partially salaried while 38,757 employees lost their full salary.

Africain Biraboneye, Deputy Secretary-General of Rwanda Workers’ Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR), says the numbers above clearly show how the labour market has been severely affected by lack of productivity and incomes.

However, he notes that the best way to secure jobs would be the quick transition from informal to formal.

"This is because the category of informal workers suffered a lot due to the lack of savings, no employment contracts as well as no insurance,” he says.

What’s the way forward?

Losing a job is unfortunate, but you can either wallow or see the job loss as an opportunity for self-discovery. Apart from looking for a new job, knowing what to do in the meantime to get yourself back in order is important.

Faustin Mutabazi, an education enthusiast and entrepreneur in Kigali, says the most uncertain part after losing a job is the next step. However, it’s time to rearrange yourself, to unzip potential and think strategically on what to do.

He notes that it is important to understand that this isn’t the right time to make irrational decisions.

"By doing this, you have room to think and come to a concrete solution on the best move, which could perhaps also be of help emotionally and physically,” he says.

Dr Opiyo Andala, Dean of School of Education at Mount Kenya University, is of the view that after losing a job, knowing where you stand financially is crucial.

This, he says, can help you figure out how long you have to look for another job, and give yourself as much time as possible to do so, depending on where your finances stand.

Andala says this is the time to cut down on expenses, and plan for what you have in the period in-between.

Another important aspect, Andala notes, is to explore opportunities.

"With the digital era we are in, one should always ensure their social media profile is active, whether they have a business or not,” he says.

Andala points out that the internet is getting more advanced, and with this, new jobs and career opportunities can be found as one waits on what to do next.

Professor Alphonse Uworwabayeho, a lecturer of mathematics at University of Rwanda, says this is a good opportunity to invest in your own personal development.

He says this can include enrolling for a short-term course, as it will make you more marketable when looking for a job.

Uworwabayeho says with the help of technology nowadays, one can look into starting an enterprise online, which can help you earn money. For example, social media management. This is to do with monitoring, filtering, measuring the public’s perception of a certain company. He adds that tech-minded people are valued immensely in this modern world.

‘You may feel flat or embarrassed, and your instinctive reaction may be to go into hiding. But confiding in positive-minded family, friends, former colleagues, career counsellors, and support groups can make a huge difference in how you feel. And they can help you to gain a new perspective on your situation.

‘Social networks such as LinkedIn can be valuable, too. Your contacts (and their contacts) may be able to advise and encourage you, and they can be a great source of information about new job opportunities,’ the article by Mind Tools suggests.

It’s important to consider your goals, the article adds, ‘When you’re ready, start thinking about what you want to do next. If the prospect of returning to the same sector appeals to you, think about why you lost your job in the first place. It may be hard to predict what will happen next in your industry (and in the economy in general), but do your best to resist moves that might put you back in the same situation a few years down the line.

‘Losing your job can be an opportunity to reassess your career goals, rediscover your values, and reconnect with your passions and interests. It might even be a chance to take off in a new direction. In challenging times, being open to new ideas can be a great asset.’