In her book "Are You A Corporate Refugee", Ruth Luban associates "corporate refugees" with refugees who never intend to leave their home country. People who are uprooted from
familiar terrain, customs and native language they've known for a very long time.From my own experience as a corporate refugee over past year, I can validate that sense of loss can be overwhelming at times. The loss of a secure income is significant in itself, but when it compounds with loss of identity, structure and community, there are times when it's paralyzing.
Today, almost a year later, I proudly consider myself a Corporate Refugee who has successfully navigated grueling journey and emerged with an amazing new sense of purpose and freedom! With that in mind, I offer you tips for surviving from my own experience.
Give Yourself Time To Heal Acknowledge fact that you have been thrown into a life changing experience. Before you can move toward future it's important to resolve past. Just as in loss of a loved one, there are stages of grief you will need to deal with. Chances are you will feel denial, anger, bargaining, and depression before you get to acceptance. Expect it, accept it, and try to have forethought to recognize where you are in process.
Take Advantage Of Your New "Lack Of" Schedule One of greatest advantages you have right now is "time". Even though much of that time will be preoccupied with processing your thoughts, there are no boundaries around where and when you do that. Turn off your alarm, forget your bedtime and let your body reset it's own clock. On gorgeous days go out and explore during times you would have been working. Whether you're running your toes through grass, sitting on beach or running errands, you'll discover sights, sounds, and people you haven't experienced at that time before. Cold, rainy days are great for putting your nose in a good book, clearing out clutter and browsing great bookstores. Like it or not, your time is your own now, take advantage of it.
