Whether it came out of the blue or it has been a long time coming, the worst has happened and you were let go from your job. Where do you go from here? First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Others have been in your shoes before and have made it through—and so can you! While circumstances will always be different from one person to another, these steps can help you get back on your feet.
Take inventory of your financial situation.
Ideally, you’ll be given severance of some sort from your former company. First, see if the value matches what you were making each month while employed, determine how long you’ll still have health insurance if applicable, and see how long the severance will last. This will give you an idea of the window of time you have in which you need to find a new role. You should also file for unemployment in your state immediately, as the additional benefits can help significantly.
Now, look at the savings you have (if any) and determine how long that can last to supplement the severance and unemployment benefits. You should also work on cutting out any unnecessary expenses that you had while employed. It might not be fun, but it can stretch the money you’ll have coming in for a little while longer.
Take some time to grieve.
While finding a job quickly after you are laid off is important, you might not be in a good state to do so right after it happens. You could be feeling lost or betrayed and that’s completely normal. Let this be a time to think about your experience at your last job: what did you like and what didn’t you like? If you were miserable in your prior role, now is the time to think about what you want out of a new position, even if it’s in an industry you haven’t worked in before.
Leverage your network.
Think about any former coworkers, bosses, clients, or connections you have. Who would be the best people to help you find more work? Don’t be afraid to reach out to them via phone call, email, or LinkedIn message explaining that you’re searching for a new position. Even if they don’t have anything available, they might know of someone else who could help you find a new job or even have contract work available in the short term.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Being laid off is nothing to be ashamed of, and your family and friends will likely want to be there to support you as you figure things out. Ask a friend if they’d be willing to watch your kids while you head to an interview, or see if anyone has a side job that you could work on for a little extra income. People will be able and willing to give you the support you need to get back on your feet.
Things might seem hard now, but remember that your situation is temporary and you’ll figure things out. Good luck
Thanks for the advice