Strategies for Dealing With the Loss of Your Job

There are many resources on the internet for surviving a lay off. You should use them. Not every piece of advice will apply to your situation but you will find information that can help. Here is my strategy.

Expect an emotional roller coaster and lots of stress, especially if the lay off was unexpected. This will be completely normal. You've had these feelings before in your life and everyone handles them in their own way. Be diligent with your coping methods. Get plenty of sleep, eat right, stay physically active, stay on a schedule and do something fun just for you every day. Now is the time to lean a little on family and friends. Let everyone know your situation. They will understand why you can't go out to eat at a restaurant, or go shopping, or go golfing or whatever it is you do with friends and family that involves money. This will reduce some of the stress in your life. Also they may know someone who knows someone who knows something about a job.

If out placement services are part of your severance package, take advantage of every service and class they offer. There is an amazing amount of emotional support to be had in a room full of people who share your situation. Also there is often someone in the room who knows someone who knows something about a job.

Get some business cards. I used VistaPrint. In the out placement classes, give one to every person you talk to. They will often have one for you. If you are not on LinkedIn you need to do so immediately.

Stay positive and let go of how your previous employer may have treated you. Just get over it. Times are tough. No one really wants to hear you complain. But people naturally want to talk to a person that has a positive outlook, a great smile and a plan. And often that person who is impressed with your attitude will know someone who knows someone......... I honestly believe when I am through this phase of my life that I will look back and say it was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

The biggest concern during a lay off is finances. I will talk about my plan in the next post. But I have one last piece of advice. I like little ceremonies to mark events in my life. Just before my lay off I found a wine I really enjoyed. The price is a little outside my normal range. When I get that first job offer, whether I accept or not, I am going to pop the cork on a bottle. And when I get that first paycheck, I already know which restaurant I am going to and who is going to celebrate with me.

My detailed financial plan will be the next post.