In other words, losing your job sucks. And unfortunately, millions of Americans lose their jobs every year at all employment levels, from hourly worker to C-suite executive.
This happened to me and my husband 12 years ago. We worked for the same company for almost 20 years and probably should have expected this to happen, but we didn’t. I tell you this story because I know what it’s like to suddenly lose your job, and I want to let you know that it doesn’t have to be the end of the world (although it may feel like it for a while).
So once you’ve convinced yourself that it’s okay to feel upset, hurt, and even a little scared, it’s time to start planning for what happens next. The good news? There are steps you can take right now to help yourself (or someone you know) survive (and even thrive) after a layoff!
1. Start job hunting
Don’t start looking for new opportunities until your current job is over. Look through your contact list and reach out to trusted colleagues and outside sources to see if there are any opportunities. Years ago when I found out my retirement date, I immediately emailed a few key people to let them know that I would be accepting a new opportunity on a specific date. I used those exact words and kept it positive. One of them ended up hiring me a few weeks after my last job ended.
This is also a great time to reevaluate your career goals: if you’ve been dreaming of working from home, it might be time to look for a remote job that lets you do just that.
2. Take advantage of employment services offered by your employer
Rejection may hurt, but don’t let pride stop you from offering free help. If the letting go employer offers resume-writing classes, meetings with a career coach, or any other form of assistance, apply. As you begin to consider your next career steps, take every opportunity to update and strengthen your skill set. You never know what new skills you’ll pick up or who you’ll meet on your journey to find a new job.
3. Try to negotiate severance pay
If you haven’t been offered severance or severance benefits, it never hurts to ask. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employees may be paid severance when they are fired. Severance benefits are usually based on how long the employee worked for the company. Unfortunately, the Fair Labor Standards Act doesn’t require companies to offer severance, but some companies do offer them to employees under certain circumstances.
Speaking of specific situations, if something is going wrong in your personal life, you should let your employer know. That means if you, your spouse, or your children are experiencing a health problem or other crisis, it’s important to communicate that information to your boss and HR, especially when negotiating how long your health insurance will last after you leave the company, which may change.
4. Apply for unemployment benefits
If you were fired through no fault of your own (and you didn’t quit), you’re likely eligible for unemployment benefits. This website (careeronestop.org) is a great place to find resources in your state. And even if you have a solid lead on a new job, it’s a good idea to research what’s required to receive unemployment benefits in your area. Remember, every little extra income helps after your last direct deposit from your old job hits your checking account.
5. Reach out to friends and family
Sometimes the best jobs are the ones that aren’t even open yet. That’s why it’s wise to reach out to family and friends, tell them your situation, and ask if they know of any jobs that would match your skills and goals. The idea here is to cast a wide net so that your support network can back you up and help you. Have your updated resume ready to email to them, so they can share it with their networks too.
6. Update your LinkedIn profile
If you’re looking to land a job, LinkedIn is the perfect place to let the world know. But before you change your status to indicate you’re looking for a new job, take the time to tidy up your profile, update your skills section if necessary, and give your experience section a quick overhaul. Career Contessa has some great advice from recruiters on how to create a great profile on the digital hiring platform. Tip: Career experts recommend getting really creative with your headline and summary.
7. Don’t badmouth your former employer
It’s tempting to vent your frustrations about losing your job to your friends on social media. But your friends have friends (and acquaintances) who might see your anger and criticize you harshly. If possible, channel that hurt and anger into a more private setting, like a close friend, parent, or spouse. After all, jobs come and go, but screenshots stay with you forever.
8. Sign up for personalized job emails
If you’ve been in the same position at the same company for a long time, you might be surprised at how many remote jobs there are that match your skills and talents. To personalize your search and avoid hours of scrolling, register with sites like Glassdoor or Indeed. Answer a few questions about the type of work you’re looking for and sign up for email notifications of jobs that match the profile you’ve created. If the idea of leaving the office appeals to you, The Work at Home Woman has tons of jobs posted every week.
9. Check your finances
When your job is unstable, it’s wise to check your bank account to see how much you have saved and where you need to adjust your budget to get through these difficult times. It’s important to reduce non-essential spending like eating out and entertainment, and focus on essentials like groceries, utilities, rent, and transportation. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay your bills on time because of unemployment, contact your lender or utility company and let them know your situation. They may be able to help you by restructuring your payment plan.
10. Know your value and negotiate
If your unemployment period lasts longer than a month, you might be tempted to accept the first decent job offer you get. You might also be tempted to accept the first salary offer you get. Whatever you do, don’t immediately accept the first offer. Most recruiters see this as a starting point and expect you to negotiate. In most cases, asking for a salary increase won’t rescind your offer. Read that again. You might even get some or all of your salary. If you’re not willing to compromise on money, ask for more PTO or vacation time, or the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule if it’s not a remote job. Remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
Conclusion
Losing a job is tough, but you can always overcome adversity and find a new job. Share your work situation with people who may be able to help you find a new job. Take advantage of free career counseling or other services offered by your former employer, and negotiate severance pay if possible. Finally, apply for unemployment benefits if you are eligible. Any extra income you can get will help.
