It’s really no sugarcoating: Losing a job stinks. And unfortunately, it happens to millions of Americans every year at all levels of employment—from hourly earnings to the C-suite.
This happened to me and my husband 12 years ago. We worked for the same company for almost two decades and maybe we should have seen it coming. We don’t. I’m just sharing this to say that I know what it’s like to lose your job unexpectedly and I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. (It may feel that way for a while.)
So once you’ve given yourself permission to feel angry, hurt, and maybe even a little scared, it’s time to start working on a plan for what comes next. Good news? There are steps you can take right now to help yourself (or someone you know) survive a layoff (and even thrive)!
1. Start your job search
Don’t wait until your current job is over to start looking for new opportunities. Go ahead and go through your contact list and start reaching out to trusted colleagues and sources outside of your company to see what might be available. When I found out my last day on the job many years ago, I immediately emailed a few key people to let them know that I would be open to new opportunities on that particular date. I used those exact words and kept it positive. One of those people ended up hiring me a few weeks after the second job ended.
It’s also a great time to reassess your career goals. If you’ve ever dreamed of working from home, this could be your chance to finally work range of remote tasks which will allow you to do so.
2. Take advantage of the employment services offered by your employer
While rejection can sting, this is no time to let pride get in the way of free help. If the employer who’s laying you off offers resume-building classes or time with a career coach — or basically any form of help — apply. Take every opportunity to update and improve your skills as you begin to evaluate your next career path. You never know what new skills you might learn or who you might meet to open the next door on your job search journey.
3. Try to negotiate a severance package
If you were not offered severance pay or severance pay, it never hurts to ask. According to the US Department of Labor, severance pay is sometimes given to workers when they are laid off. This is usually based on how long the employee has worked for the company. Unfortunately, companies are not required to offer severance pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act, but some firms still offer it to employees under certain circumstances.
And speaking of certain circumstances, if something is going on in your personal life, you should let your employer know. That said, if you or your spouse or child is going through a health or other crisis, it’s important to share that information with your manager and HR. It could make a difference, especially when it comes to negotiating how long you can receive health benefits after you leave the company.
4. Apply for unemployment benefits
If you were fired from your job through no fault of your own (and you didn’t give notice), you’re probably entitled to dole. This website – careeronestop.org – is a great place to find resources in your state. And even if you have solid prospects for a new job, it’s a good idea to research what it takes to get unemployment benefits rolling where you live. Remember, any extra income will help after the 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 haven’t been advertised yet. That’s one reason why it’s wise to reach out to your family and friends, inform them of your situation, and ask them if they know of any jobs that fit your skills and goals. The idea is here cast a wide net so that your support network has your back and can help you. Prepare an updated resume to email them so they can also share it with their networks.
6. Update your LinkedIn profile
When you are open to work, LinkedIn can be a great place to let the world know. But before you change your status to signal that you’re looking for a new job, tidy up your profile, update your skills section if necessary, and give your experience section another go. Career of the Contessa has some great advice from recruiters on how to build a rock star profile on the digital employment platform. Pro tip: Career experts say you’ll want to get super creative with your headline and summary.
7. Don’t Trash Talk Your Former Employer
We know it can be tempting to vent your frustrations about losing your job to your friends on social media. The problem is that your friends also have friends (and acquaintances) and you never know who might see your outburst and judge you too harshly. If you can, channel that hurt and anger into a more private setting, such as a heart-to-heart with a good friend, parent, or spouse. After all, jobs may come and go, but screenshots last forever.
8. Sign up for personalized work emails
If you’ve been in the same position at the same company for a while, you might just be amazed at how many jobs fit your skills and talents that are now distant. To personalize your search – and save yourself hours of mindless scrolling – you can sign up at sites like Glass door and Really. Answer a few questions about the type of job you’re looking for and sign up for emails to be notified of jobs that match the profile you’ve created. If leaving the office sounds tempting, they are tons of jobs published weekly on The Work at Home Woman.
9. Check your finances
When your work life is on the move, it’s wise to check your bank accounts to see how much you have saved and where you might need adjust your budget to get it through a rough patch. It’s essential to cut back on unnecessary things like eating out and entertainment and focus on things you can’t live without – like groceries, utilities, rent and transportation. If it looks like you won’t be able to pay your bill on time due to job loss, contact your lender or company and let them know your situation. They may be able to restructure a payment plan to help you.
10. Know your worth and negotiate
If you’ve been unemployed for more than a month or so, it can be tempting to take the first decent job offer that comes your way. It can also be very tempting to accept the first salary offer. Whatever you do, don’t be quick to accept the first offer. Most hiring managers see this as a stepping stone and expect it from you negotiate. In most cases, the offer will not be canceled if you ask for more money. Read it again. You can even get it – or part of it. And if they’re not going down on the finances, ask for more PTO or vacation or flexibility to work a hybrid schedule if it’s no longer telecommuting. Remember, the answer is always no unless you ask.
Bottom line
Although losing your job can be painful, you can completely come out on the other side and find something new. Don’t forget to open up your work situation so that people who can help you find a new career can do so. Take advantage of any free employment counseling or other services offered by your former employer and try to negotiate a severance package if at all possible. Finally, if you are eligible, apply for unemployment benefits. Every little extra income helps!
