September 29, 2011
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Hallmark “Job Loss” Cards…a Sign of the Times.
Hallmark recently released a new line of six greeting cards that specifically address job loss and the recession. Some are humorous, while others offer some sensitive words of encouragement. The company says customers called-in the need and the cards are selling well.With the unemployment rate currently at 9.1 percent – which translates to 14 million people – there’s a good chance you know someone out of work.
Career expert Nicole Williams said, “By virtue of bringing it (job loss) out into the open and discussing it, there’s less shame attached to it. And the more shame that is attached to it, the less likely you are to go out there and actually find a job quickly.”
Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Hartstein believes, “The more you can talk about something, the better off it can be.”
One of the cards reads, “Sorry you lost your job, but please remember your job is not who you are. You have many great qualities, and that’s what really matters. Until someone realizes your unique abilities, I hope you’ll take pride in all you’ve accomplished and realize how much you have yet to give.”
One of the things the card says is your job is not who you are. I think we often attach too much weight to who we are by what we do for a living. If we can detach that, we’ll be much happier moving forward.
One of the humorous cards reads, “Don’t think of it as losing your job. Think of it as a time out between stupid bosses.”
“It’s a very positive approach to being laid off,” Williams said. Going the humorous route – depending on how you know the person – may be the best way of helping people talk about it. Anyway you look at it job loss is a sensitive issue so think carefully before you slip one of these in the mail.
