It has been a strange and uncertain time for all of us in the GCC in the past month.
While we’ve been doing our best to stay resilient, the unprecedented events in the SWANA region have resulted in another issue: Furlough. Numerous career girls from fashion, marketing, social media, and other fields have been ‘furloughed’ or, in some cases, are facing pay cuts or potential job redundancies until the situation tapers down.
With uncertainty in the air, and you genuinely don’t know what to do next, here, Cosmo ME gives you a run-down on what you can do when you’ve been f-worded.
What does furlough even mean?
Furlough, which is often referred to as the other ‘f’ word, can feel like the end of the world. Simply explained, a furlough is an unpaid leave of absence or reduction in hours, typically resulting from the lack of work or budget cuts. They are usually temporary. When the furlough period ends, employees are expected to resume work. In some extreme cases, prolonged furlough leads to job losses, but not always (fingers crossed).
“Losing a role in the SWANA region right now, in a climate where entire sectors are recalibrating, can feel deeply personal. But a furlough or redundancy is not a reflection of your value; it is a reflection of an economic reality. The sooner you separate those two things, the faster you will move forward,” says Ellen Mannaert, entrepreneur, transformation coach and motivational speaker.
If you have been furloughed or are in the process of it, it’s crucial to know all your legal rights and understand what it means for you. There are resources available online that cover all the details on what your employee rights are, and it’s strongly recommended to be informed about what is possible with your new reality.
Rediscover your spark through self-care
While it’s important to keep yourself motivated, you must never forget to take time for yourself. “Periods of furlough are not just financial disruptions; they are also neurological ones. The brain, wired for predictability, interprets uncertainty as a threat. This activates the amygdala, increasing stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn impair focus, motivation, and decision-making,” says Devika Mankani, psychologist at The Hundred Wellness Centre, Dubai. “The first step is not productivity; it is regulation. Stabilise your nervous system through simple anchors: consistent wake times, movement (even a 20-minute walk), and exposure to daylight. These signals reassure the brain that life retains structure, even when circumstances feel uncertain.”
Use your time off to upskill
With the rise of remote and distance learning, this is a great time to explore online certifications to upskill yourself or explore an alternate career path. Maybe you wanted to study financial literacy, give project management a try or learn how to edit videos? The sky is the limit when you have plenty of time to upskill yourself.
Lean into the power of community
Community is the way to go in 2026. “Use this time to reach out to colleagues, mentors or professional groups — do not only use them to seek potential job opportunities but stay engaged with your field. Use your professional network as a means to create purposeful connections to maintain your confidence and keep you on their radar,” says Dr Lucy Bolton, Associate Professor in Business and Coaching Psychology at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
It’s a marathon, not a race
From a psychological standpoint, pacing is essential. “Job searching in an uncertain climate can be emotionally draining. Setting structured ‘search hours,’ taking breaks, and maintaining a routine helps sustain motivation. Importantly, furlough in this context is often systemic, not personal, and those who combine emotional regulation with strategic action tend to navigate it most effectively,” advises Dr Jane Halsall from The Cornerstone Clinic.
Remember, it’s not the end of the world — you’ve got this.
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