On the Precipice: Staying, Leaving, or Preparing? Ethical and Practical Considerations for Uncertain Times
Preparing for the Worst - Safety Nets and Protections
In these times, still being employed might feel like both a pressure cooker and a privilege. Considering the development sector’s increasing uncertainty, feelings of anxiety and fear of job loss are natural to arise.
This section provides guidance on emotional preparedness, logistical and financial safety nets. Taking control of one’s own situation helps to reclaim some sense of agency, through adaptation and proecting oneself.
Please send us (ourstopgap@gmail.com) any other mental health resources you know of so we can share it here.
Emotional Resilience and Readiness: Practice becoming comfortable with uncertainty and unpredictability.
How to Get Comfortable With Uncertainty and Change by Kira M. Newman
“Someone who has trouble with uncertainty might find it hard to make decisions in ambiguous circumstances, because they feel like they don’t have enough information and don’t want to make the wrong choice.”
“Emotion-focused strategies change the way we feel, like distracting ourselves, getting support from friends, or looking at the situation from a different perspective. Problem-focused strategies, on the other hand, involve taking action to solve the problem directly.”
Reframe uncertainty as a, shorter or longer, phase instead of a failure.
Differentiate between your spheres of influence and concern. Focus on what lies within your control, where you can take proactive action, and what worries you that is beyond your control.
Concept from the Book ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey)
Understanding the Circles of Control, Influence & Concern by Anna Katharina Schaffner
Social Support: you are not alone, connect with others
Explore your feelings and talk about them, they are all valid. Probably many around you, within your work or the broader community, share similar emotions.
Share any concerns you have about the consequences of a potential job loss, and consider how your network could ideally support you.
Check out our Peer Groups: small groups of 5-6 people that meet weekly online for two months and are facilitated by a volunteer. to discuss jointly the current changes
Practical and Financial Emergency Kit: bracing oneself in case of a lay-off.
Write a “What If” Plan, if you (or partner or other close people) were to be fired, what would be the first steps to take? This reduces panic and decision fatigue if the time was to come. Some elements could include budgeting, cutting expenses, reaching out to your personal and professional network, and considering the initial immediate consequences
Listen to the Financial Feminist Podcast by Tori Dunlap, Founder of HerFirst100$, for finance tips and resources.
Read How to Prepare for a Recession like a Financial Expert and How to Prepare for Financial Emergencies on emergency funds, debt and insurance.
Check out our section on Emergency Lifelines - Places to Find Mutual Aid and Immediate Financial Support to see the recommendations and resources in a situation of unemployment.
Check out our section on Considering Resignation - Torn between Ethical and Financial Dilemmas to see the recommendations and resources if you're indecisive on whether to stay or leave your current employment.