Recognize Your Own Value

From the waves of retirement in the United States in 2024 and 2025, as well as the long-term workplace landscape, it has become very rare for someone to remain in the same company or in the same position from beginning to end. Since what were once called “iron rice bowls” or even “golden rice bowls” can now also be lost, workers need to be prepared in advance. Even in smooth and stable times, one should make preparations ahead of time.

The workplace is indeed an important part of life. Therefore, losing a job not only means losing a stable income, but also losing one’s sense of identity and value. It is our hope that Christians may see that our worth does not lie in our income, titles, or achievements, but in our identity as those who are loved and redeemed in Christ. Even in times of job instability, or when facing layoffs, we can still have a peace that transcends our circumstances.

Just as panic can spread, love and hope are also contagious. When we receive love and hope from God and are willing to pass them on, we can become a source of companionship and encouragement to others as they face changes in the workplace.

This is my personal experience, and at the same time, my hope for all readers.

The following are specific recommendations.

1. Preparations you can make while your job is stable:

• Set a financial goal of saving an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses. This is like a breakwater along the shore—when income stops, it can help reduce anxiety.
• Think ahead about your “transferable skills.” For example: driving + interacting with people = working as a rideshare (or app-based) driver, such as Uber.
• Take the initiative to identify your interests and develop them into strengths through intentional and consistent practice. For example, if you love food, you can develop cooking skills—look for opportunities to cook more often, seek feedback, and keep improving.
• Think about how to integrate AI into your current work tasks and make early preparations for your future career development.
• Find a support group and build genuine friendships—people with whom you can openly share your joys, sorrows, and everyday challenges without hesitation.

2.  After losing a job, in addition to praying, here are things you can do:

• Review necessary and non-essential expenses, and reduce your needs.
• Make plans for how to use your severance pay—both in the short term (as a temporary financial cushion) and in the long term (for learning new skills).
• Use “transferable skills” to find transitional work and increase your income.
• Set aside dedicated time to prepare for certifications you did not have the opportunity to pursue before, learn new skills, or look for a new job.
• Update your résumé and practice interviewing.

3. For mid-career workers who have been laid off, how should they evaluate whether to remain in their original field or change career paths?

• Value your emotional state more than the situation itself. The more anxious you are, the less you should make hasty decisions. Return to the circle of friends who support you, and stay in familiar environments to regain emotional stability. Share your challenges with close friends and seek their feedback and support.
• Take stock of your “soft skills.” The abilities accumulated through your career—such as collaboration, communication, negotiation, critical thinking, resourcefulness, and problem-solving—are key strengths of mid-career professionals.
• When considering entrepreneurship, first assess how much risk your personality can tolerate.
• Maintain a growth mindset and take the initiative to engage with new people and new things.

I also lost my job while applying for U.S. permanent residency and went through a low point in my career. Thankfully, I received help from a Christian friend and started working in sales, promoting health supplements. To be honest, when I had to swallow my pride and push myself to visit businesses, it didn’t feel good at all. But at least I had an income.

At that time, there was also a group of Christian friends around me who encouraged me. They didn’t just say, “I’ll pray for you,” but would later ask, “Any progress? How else can we help you?”

Because of their care and concern, my heart gradually settled. I obtained my certification and found a new job. More than that, this experience led my wife and me to believe in Christ and be baptized.

In fact, even before I lost my job, there were already rumors of layoffs in the company, and people were anxious. At the time, I was still seeking faith. In prayer, I saw a vision: I had fallen into a stormy sea, so I dove underwater and waited. I believe this was God speaking.

Later, as I came to know God more and experience the Lord more deeply, I became even more certain of my identity and worth in Christ. This became the anchor of my life. As Hebrews 6:19 says: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”