No one knows what's going to happen next. For working people everywhere, these are very challenging times indeed. Everyone is concerned, even those who still have jobs. Some folks are terrified, especially those who have been out of work for a while.

These reactions are understandable and to be expected. If you're feeling frustrated, depressed, afraid, helpless, or disoriented, you're certainly not alone. You might even feel angry or victimized. Perhaps you're saying things to yourself such as, "This shouldn't be happening to me! I got a good education. I worked hard. I always did the right thing, and I don't deserve this. I never thought I'd be in this situation. Maybe this is what happens to other people, but not me!"

Sound familiar? This is what I've been hearing from many of my career coaching clients in recent months. It's like a nightmare that we're all hoping to awaken from. Quite candidly, several clients have spent their recent career coaching sessions crying, and my office has been going through a box of tissues every few days. Believe me, I get it!

My clients need comfort and reassurance. My guess is that you do, too. So, let me tell you the same things I've been telling my clients. It's okay to have all of the reactions listed earlier and any other emotions you might be experiencing. There's nothing wrong with you, and you didn't do anything to bring this fate upon yourself. You're still a good person, and you still have all of the qualities, experiences, and credentials you had before. Although it may be difficult to believe right now, this awful employment situation will come to an end, and your career will get back on track—eventually.