8 Reasons Why Losing Your Job Could Be The Best Thing That Happened To You

There you are: A whatever-year-old living the life. You are making a good income. You spend your weekends going out with your friends.

Every time someone asks, “How’s life?” you simply reply, “Amazing. I couldn’t be happier. I just love my job.”

When I look back, I remember my reply to, “How is your life?” always revolved around a job. And, when did I realize that? After I was let go from my job and didn’t have my usual, “How is your life?” go-to answer.

Isn’t it crazy how life works? You’re 100 percent happy with your life and then it knocks you down.

The pain and disappointment someone goes through after losing a job is something I would never wish upon anyone. Right before that very second, I thought I had it all together.

In my mind, there’s no better feeling than having a stable income. When that gets taken away, life suddenly becomes scarier than the clown from "It." It’s like having someone steal all of your comfort and sense of maturity.

It’s so easy to sulk in sadness after losing something you were so used to. A full-time job is like having a significant other: You spend all of your time there and put so much effort in to it.

And then, just like that, it’s gone and you're left broken hearted. You're afraid because you don’t have a plan to get back on your feet. I mean, where do we go from here?

There are two choices you can make after being let go. You can either lay around and worry you'll never be able to get another job again, or you can keep on moving.

Here are eight reasons why losing your job could be the best thing that ever happens to you:

1. You realize it’s time to venture on to something new.

After your dark cloud moves on, you begin to open your eyes. Yes, your previous job could’ve been absolutely perfect, and you wouldn’t have changed anything about it.

Now, close your eyes and picture that one thing you’ve always wanted to do. Get up and do it. What are you waiting for?

2. That place you’ve always wanted to visit? It’s time.

No need to fill out “time off” paperwork because the world is in your hands. Pack those bags and get out. No one will sue you for taking time off to rejuvenate your senses.

Unemployment is one of the few times you will be able to visit a new place. Think about drinks on the beach or a fun hiking trip. Make your Instagram followers jealous with those awesome shots.

3. Get a hobby.

And, I don't mean that in the rude, "Get a f*cking hobby," way. Start taking a fitness class; dust off that book you’ve wanted to read but didn’t have the time to because you were too busy working a nine-to-five; learn how to cook.

You can open up a whole new world for yourself. Do anything that excites you.

4. You’re not desperate and you never will be.

Being unemployed gives you endless options. Take the time to look at opening positions every day.

At times, you will definitely feel stressed out, but just remember that you want to be able to wake up and be happy with what you're doing.

Don’t apply to jobs just for the money. Apply because you want to.

5. Applying to jobs now is easier than the first time.

You come to realize that you actually know what you are doing this time around.

You know what the corporate world is looking for and you know exactly how to be that person they want.

You know what to say, how to act and how to stand your ground. Most importantly, you know what you would do differently.

6. You get the chance to spend more time with family.

I could have all of the money in the world, but nothing makes me happier than being with my family. Of course, I will run to my parents when something really sh*tty happens.

Without their support and advice, I can’t imagine being the strong and confident person I am now.

Think about how you were always so busy working and how the weekends were reserved for your friends.

Now that you have some downtime, relax and reconnect with the ones you love.

7. Now is the time to learn how to be persistent again.

Working full-time at the same job can dull your creativity. It’s annoying having to apply for jobs, but it’s also nice to spiff up that résumé and network within your industry.

Adding to your résumé only ensures how much of a hard worker you are. Be proud of how far you’ve come.

8. Life will always kick you in the gut.

You just have to learn how to deal with it. You thought you were happy? Well, life shuts you down, so you can figure out another way to be happy. Be the strong person you are.

One day, you’ll look back and realize all of these experiences you go through are just stepping-stones to greater things.

Losing a job doesn’t ever mean you are a failure; it only means that there is another door waiting for you to open it. That door is filled with creativity, ideas, new people and adventures.

Just remember to use your downtime wisely. A body at rest stays at rest. Your only goal should be to keep on heading in the direction of your dreams.

Earlier I asked, “Where do we go from here?” The answer: The only way