What to Do When You Lose Your Job

Over 1.2m jobs have been lost this year, and there are more losses to come. So what do you do when it happens to you?

1. Understand Your Options.
Most companies provide some sort of severance or termination letter. Be sure to review it carefully. Check with a lawyer if you think it makes sense. Give yourself some time to think about your rights and options before you sign anything.

2. Tell Your Loved Ones.
Losing your job can make you feel alone and hopeless. This is not the time to feel ashamed and try to hide what is happening. You didn’t make this happen and it won’t affect just you. Talk to someone who will be understanding and give you some emotional support. Let your kids know that you’ll be going through a transition. You’ll be setting a great example by showing people you can handle a setback.

3. Identify Your Resources.
Losing your job is a major disruption. Get your supports in place as quickly as possible. Sign up for unemployment insurance. Check on health insurance. Find out what the company, government, and anyone else offers to help you with a successful new job search.

4. Plan Your New Work Day.
Looking for a job is a job in itself. Before you lost your job, your workday was planned for you. Now it’s up to you. Make a list of things you need to do. This will probably include updating your resume, conducting online searches, making phone calls, and setting up meetings. Set up a place where you will work. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Treating your job search like a job will get you moving back to where you want to be!

5. Be Good To Yourself.
Whether you saw it coming or not, losing your job is a shock. Your emotions will take a little time to adjust. If you need it, have a little pity party, then get yourself back on track. This is a great time to reconnect with yourself, your family and friends. Remember all of the great things you have done and all the great things you have left to do.

Losing a job is hard for everyone. You can’t change that. But you can show everyone that taking care of yourself and moving forward with a winning attitude leads to bigger and better things in the future!