Life Challenges

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Work-Related Challenges

A Going Away Party After Job Loss Ann Kaiser Stearns with Rick Lamplugh

Deborah Lindemon, a successful small business owner in California, for fourteen years, couldn't believe how fast her business died. Within two months of the passing of a new state law, referrals to her business dried up....The new state rules hurt other companies as well as Deborah's forcing downsizing and industry closings....Deborah felt that she and others could benefit from a ritual of sharing. She...decided to hold an Irish type of wake. Deborah liked the idea of music, dancing and a sense of celebration as well as a ritual of mourning.

Celebrating the positive was important to Deborah Lindemon....She invited people to the party who had been open with their feelings about the loss of a job or business-co-workers, customers, and even competitors... She felt a strong desire to help others with their loss.

... Upon entering the office, two dozen "mourners" found a wall covered with photographs of themselves either at work or enjoying various social activities. The photos prompted people to reminisce, sharing many warm memories. There was food, followed by Irish music and dancing. Before long, people were comfortable and ready to open up. At Deborah's encouragement, they all pulled their chairs into a large circle and some began to offer "eulogies."...Some people recalled fun-filled moments shared with co-workers or competitors over the years. Others talked about present concerns, how difficult some of the changes had been or soon would be. There was a lot of laughter and some tears during the forty-five minute period of sharing. Having the wake/party for a dying industry and downsizing business left Deborah Lindemon and the others with a sense of "validation"...

Through a ritual of healing and sharing in community, a group of men and women were able to gain strength and perspective toward creating a new work life.

From Living Through Job Loss: Coping with the Emotional Effects of Job Loss and Rebuilding Your Future, by Ann Kaiser Stearns with Rick Lamplugh. Simon & Schuster, New York, 1995, pp. 47-49.