According to a recent article by Chief Economist Todd Hirsch (ATB Financial) the month of November 2015 saw a loss of nearly 15,000 jobs in Alberta. Mr. Hirsch advises readers to brace for even tougher news in the months ahead and notes that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better. Not only are there losses of jobs in the oil and gas industry, but the professional, scientific, technical, and manufacturing sectors are also adversely affected by the economic downturn. The Owl, December 4, 2015

For many people, our jobs are a reflection of our identity, and when we experience a loss of our professional ‘identity’ through losing our job we may have feelings of despair, inadequacy or failure, even if the loss has nothing to do with our performance or skill level.

The holiday season is a particularly difficult time of year for those experiencing recent job losses. There is added pressure to be merry and bright while trying to pay bills and cover basic needs for the family after a reliable source of income from our job suddenly ends.

However, for some people, a job loss may be embraced as an opportunity to reinvent oneself and try something different, by utilizing one’s unique talents toward a new venture. Read more