Dear EDN,

I’ve been with a Hotel Management company for 7 years. It was my first job out of undergrad. Before this Corona stuff broke out, I applied for another job and got it. I thought it was time for something new. I put in my two weeks and transitioned out of my old job. I gave myself two weeks off to get my life together, travel, and relax. My start date was April 1st. The other day, the new company I got a job with called me and said they wont be able to hire me at this time and they need to rescind the offer. They said they hope that I can hold on until April 30th and they will know more then. They aren’t doing well economically. I work for the hotel industry and I have never been in this position in my life. In a way I feel lost. I just feel stupid and don’t know what to do with myself. I have some savings but I need a job soon. Any advice for someone who’s lost?

Dear ‘Feeling Lost’,

First, thank you for reaching out to gain some advice. This is an unprecedented time and many people are trying to navigate these unfamiliar and troubling issues. We have gathered some feedback from our readers to help you approach this issue.

You are not alone:

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a huge impact on our economy. Many companies are losing their businesses and people are losing their jobs. It is normal to feel lost and question if you have made the right decision of leaving your former job. Give yourself enough time to process your emotions. However, remember not to be too critical of yourself and your current circumstances. Many deserving, hard working people are in the same predicament as you.

Times like these are stressful, but they also give us opportunities to truly discover our creativity. Use this time to dig deeper and assess your own capabilities and creativity. Moreover, don’t be afraid to explore beyond the hospitality industry to bridge the income difference you may be experiencing. Major corporations like CVS, Walmart and Amazon have announced the need for additional help. Just because you have been in one industry for a while doesn’t mean that your skills and expertise can’t be applied elsewhere. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you reach out to people in your network for support and guidance. You may also look into the CARES act to see if you qualify for the stimulus package.

Adjust your lifestyle:

While this is a temporary setback, there are some things you may be able to do to make life less stressful. Adjust your spending habits, cut all unnecessary expenses and avoid taking on new debt. Continue to follow up with your new employer so they can see that you’re still interested and want to invest in a long term commitment with the new role. Lastly, focus on self-care and nurture a positive mindset. Remind yourself often that this is temporary. We wish you good luck.