It may seem like the worst moment of your life, but if you've lost your job, you're not alone. At some point in most people's lives, it happens at least once.
You may see it coming, or it may have already happened and hit you out of the blue. If so, you need to process the facts and then move on. This is not always easy; however, the next steps are essential if you want to find a better job as soon as possible. Use these seven tips to guide you along the way, and this "setback" will become a stepping stone to something better!
1. Do not respond; answers
Have you ever said something "in the moment" that you later regretted?
This is an emotional response, and it's normal. But it's also not necessarily a good thing. If you lose your job, you should not lose your professionalism. Your instinctive reaction when pressured in the heat of the moment says a lot about your character. It also creates a reputation that follows you when you need to ask for a recommendation for another job. If you weren't expecting the layoff, it will be harder to keep a poker face, but do your best. Take some time to process the news first so you don't have a knee-jerk emotional reaction. (It is also okay to keep silent.) Responding means you've had time to think and calm down. Your common sense is back in control and you can form a professional answer with pertinent questions.
2. Get the details
If you can think clearly, you may ask questions. This may be your only chance to get answers.
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- Why you were fired? Was it a personal or a company downsize?
- If your supervisor writes you a letter of recommendation?
- Is there a severance package?
- How long do your benefits stay active?
All of these questions aren't just relevant – they're essential.
Knowing why you were fired and whether you can trust your supervisor to be a positive reference will impact your next steps. And severance and benefits determine how hot the fire must be in your job search.
3. Create a structure
Maybe you have a few days of dribble. Don't talk yourself into it; it's not healthy.
Of course, if you can afford it, it's always a good idea to take a few "vacation days" and remind yourself that life is good. Then start the job search.
It won't take all day to search the job boards and submit applications.
Complete other job-related tasks during the remainder of a normal work block, such as:
- Update your resume and start applying for jobs
- Review and update your professional social media accounts
- Check your closet and drawers to make sure you have something to wear for interviews
- Skim your personal social media and remove anything that might be offensive to prospective employers
It will be tempting to use your free time to enjoy your favorite TV shows. The more determined you are to be productive now, the less time you'll spend job hunting.
4. File for unemployment
Even if you do not plan goes on unemployment, it is a good idea to apply for it immediately. It may take you a while to find a job, unless you already have a job lined up. It helps to have a small income while you search.
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As long as your unemployment status was not your fault and you meet your state's work and wage requirements, you qualify.
Typically, this means you had to have worked the first four of five "calendar quarters" before you could make the claim. (That's at least a year on the job.)
Contact the unemployment program in your state. They will ask you for details, like the name and address of the employer and when you worked there.
It can take a few weeks, so the sooner you start the process, the more secure your finances will be.
5. Evaluate your budget
How long can you afford to go without employment?
Analyze your budget to find out.
First, start by adding up your current disposable assets.
What's in your checks and savings? Get severance pay?
Now that you have this sum, make a list of your essential monthly expenses. Add in your mortgage or rent, utilities and basic food costs.
Then create another column with additional expenses like credit card bills. Anything you can delay without it affecting your life goes in the second column.
If you have insurance for any of the bills, call the company and let them know you are currently unemployed. You will be deferring payments and interest.
Check both lists and find out where you can save until you have an income again.
6. Check in with your network
It's okay to reach out to your network and ask them if they know of any job openings.
While you're telling them the basics of why you're looking for a new job, don't go into too much detail. Be especially careful not to wallow in self-pity or speak ill of your former employer.
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Complaining about how terrible your ex-boss was will also make you look less than stellar. It's one thing to rant to your BFF that won't tell a soul or judge you. But a casual acquaintance might know someone who knows someone, and word gets around.
Try to keep the conversation positive. It shows you in a better light and you are more likely to get referrals.
7. Stay connected to the world
The last thing you want to do is to become the stereotype of the person who gets fired and becomes a couch potato.
Do everything you can to stay connected to the outside world. Yes, you can stay at home while you complete your job search. But even if you don't feel like it, say yes to social events and get-togethers – unless they're outside your budget.
Write or call friends and family if you are feeling low. If you're on the self-pity train, catch it early, before it leaves the station, and get off!
You will have a new job soon, unless you separate yourself completely from the world.
Conclusion
When you lose your job, there's a lot of emotional baggage that comes with it.
Fear, embarrassment, shame and anger are all normal reactions. But with these tips, you won't have time to wallow in it. Your search for a new, better job has begun!