photo by jroblear

Tough times happen to the best of us. Emergencies, health issues and costly repairs seem to happen when we’re just getting ahead. One of the toughest situations to overcome is a job layoff. If you’re lucky, you get advance notice and a severance package, but not everyone is that fortunate. It’s easy to get overwhelmed — even more so if you’re the sole or primary breadwinner and have a family relying on you. It’s stressful, but you can and will survive.

WORK TOWARD ACCEPTANCE: Denial is often the first emotion to kick in when you’ve lost your job. Sometimes it’s anger, fear, humiliation and panic, too. You’re shocked it’s happening to you, and that’s normal and understandable. The sooner you can get a grip on these feelings, the sooner you can take action. You can’t make sound decisions without a clear head. You’ll need some time to regroup, and you deserve to take this time, but try to look at it as a new opportunity and not a personal failure.

Consider talking to family, friends or a professional counselor if you’re experiencing a downward spiral of emotions. Talk to your family doctor about how you’re feeling, too. It’s going to be tough to convey self-confidence, but your attitude counts during your job search, interviews and especially at home with your family. Life might not be going according to plan, but that doesn’t mean you can’t press on. You’re experiencing a temporary setback.

ESTABLISH A NETWORK: Although humbling, it’s time to reach out to people who can help. Get the word out that you’re looking for work. Ask each person you speak with to refer you to someone else so you can continue to build your network. Don’t waste time and energy badmouthing your boss or the company. You need to be able to crystallize and convey your goals. Share your strengths, interests and your contact information.

If you received letters of appreciation, recognition or recommendation, get them together. If you don’t have any, try to get a few when networking. These letters can help you in an interview and boost your ego during a traumatic time.

REVIEW YOUR SKILL SET: Update your resume. If necessary, have a professional help you write it. Are you lacking skills? If so, consider returning to school. If you’re having trouble, go to a workforce development association or a career counselor. Now is the time to re-evaluate your life, explore your options and choose a new direction.

CREATE A BARE-BONES BUDGET: It’s vital that you get your finances in order to establish a game plan. Immediately cut any optional spending. It’s possible you’ll need to file for unemployment, so contact your local unemployment office.

MAKE FINDING A NEW JOB A PRIORITY: You might find work right away, but it often takes awhile. Use your free time wisely. You should be assertive and actively seeking employment, so commit to making it a priority. Any income is better than none, so prepare yourself to accept even part-time work to improve your finances. Consider temp agencies and recruiting services. Don’t close yourself off from job possibilities. It doesn’t cost you anything to apply. Most of all, be persistent, determined and confident.

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