You get the call into the office; you get the box, and you head home. Along with the pink slip, you drag home a host of conflicting emotions, such as rejection, shock, and the overwhelming flurry of butterflies that accompany the walk through the front door, especially when you anticipate relaying your news to others: "I lost my job".
First, you are not alone. Even though it doesn’t feel like it, virtually everyone has lost their job for one reason or another. There are hurdles to get over during this tumultuous time, but there are also some benefits that can be gained and lessons that, once learned, can lead you to a better life.
The first hurdle is the Hurdle of Rejection. You are mad, angry, upset, overwhelmed. While you have a right to all of these emotions, keep in mind that usually a job loss is not personal. Business is business. There may be a hundred reasons why you were laid off: the economy, company restructuring and downsizing, etc. Even when it seems personal, such as a job loss due to performance, try very hard not to take it too personally. As difficult as this is, if you leave the company with dignity and even write letters of appreciation to personnel and former bosses (admittedly, while gnashing your teeth as you type), you might preserve a bridge that may allow you to return to the company at a later date. Never burn down bridges!
Insofar as "who to tell", this is completely up to you. You may decide to tell everyone, or no one. A good rule of thumb is this: of course, let anyone know who can help you get a job, even a stop-gap position. Friends who work in companies you are targeting, any former colleagues and managers; neighbors perhaps, if they can help you get gainfully employed,–but leave the nosey ones out; they will only gossip and you don’t need that right now. After that, it is a personal decision. You may choose not to tell your children and that’s fine, if you don’t want them to get unnecessarily worried or confused. You may or may not choose to let your family or friends know, and this also is okay. But, you don’t want to sequester yourself completely, especially if you are overwhelmed. Choose wisely; inform people who will help you not only career-wise, but mentally and emotionally also.
The second hurdle is the Hurdle of Finances. Immediately after losing your job, it is imperative to review your finances to know exactly where you stand: with savings, with debt, bills, severance, anticipated income if any, etc. Then review a list of potential income resources during the time you may be unemployed, such as unemployment compensation, part-time or temporary work, emergency savings, family assistance, government assistance, and so one. Investigate every nook and cranny in this regard, for you may find unexpected income sources in areas you were not taking advantage of when employed. Take stock: you’ll feel more in control. The more you feel in control over some things in your life, the less overwhelmed you will feel overall. Fine tune your budget as much as possible; do you still need to buy those cigars or your weekly OK Magazine? Probably not. Whittle down your budget to the bare bones. Call your creditors and bill vendors and explain your situation. Some companies offer temporary unemployment assistance in payments or will help you to adjust your billing. As well, you can usually defer student loans when unemployed.
Also, if you have not implemented frugal living into your life, now is certainly the time to do so. The very threat of unemployment (which every single person on earth has, since no one is irreplaceable) is inspiration enough to strive to be debt-free; if you are let go and have no debt, you certainly will sleep better knowing your expenses are at their lowest and you can survive on unemployment benefits if need be. Cook at home and do your best not to eat at restaurants; you will save a great deal of money eating in and also improve your health with better portions and less additives. Shop the weekly deals at the grocer and stock up on sales; eat more simply on meals such as grilled cheese and tomato soup, or chili served with homebaked bread. Limit dessert to once a week; you will save money and get in shape while searching for a new job! If you have debt, pay the minimum for now since survival is most important; yet, once you are gainfully employed, continue living very frugally and get those debts paid off. Then, you will be in a better financial position should a layoff occur in the future; and if it doesn’t, you will have more money going to your savings and less going to creditors.
The third step is to immediately begin networking. Absolutely, positively, even the day you are let go, send out two or three emails to former colleagues, friends you trust and who can help you find work, Craigslist, etc. Get your resume on Hotjobs and Monster, and get LinkedIn as quickly as possible. You will feel better right away for having done something proactive, and even better, your time frame for getting new employment will be hastened. If you need to give yourself time to lick your wounds, make it a day or two the most. But if you can, while you’re licking–network! That’s multi-tasking at it’s best.
The fourth step is to have a glass of wine and relax for a moment. Give yourself credit that you feel was taken away from you by the layoff. Take stock of your skills and abilities, and soul search over what you may really want to do with your life. Maybe when you were working you didn’t have time to volunteer or work part-time doing something you’ve always wanted to do; well, now is your chance! Volunteering is a great way to network, help others and give yourself that much-needed ego-shot in the arm. Also consider taking up a skill or hobby that you’ve put off, going back to school, or getting certified. As difficult as a layoff is, it may also be an opportunity to segue into a field or career that you truly love and have a passion for. Often God permits difficult situations into our lives, knowing that we might not take steps out of fear, to realize our full potential. Remind yourself that God truly loves you and wants the best for you, and though it may seem strange, this period of unemployment could be the impetus to explore the very best in yourself, and bring you where you really need to be.
Hang in there. We’ve been there, done that a few times. You will survive, and thrive, and be stronger and wiser from all you will endure during this difficult, but potentially beneficial, time.
