How to Cope With Getting Laid Off

Losing a job is one of life's most stressful experiences. As more and more companies get "lean and mean," you may find yourself laid off, but you will survive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stress Management Counseling
• Stress Relief Products
• Personal Organizers
• résumé paper
• résumé software

1. Leave your place of work immediately. Even if you saw it coming, you are likely to be too upset to answer co-workers' questions. You can come back for your coffee mug.

2. Discuss your situation with your spouse and other family members who will be affected. Will your partner have to work overtime for a while? Can your college student get a part-time job to contribute to tuition costs?

3. Review your financial situation. You may have set aside what seemed like a reasonable amount for a "rainy day," but if your unemployment goes beyond a month or two, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments.

4. Request a meeting with your company's HR representative. Find out if you're entitled to severance pay, unused vacation or personal days and how to continue your benefits and roll over your 401K. Find out how vested you are in the company's pension plan, if applicable.

5. Take advantage of any outplacement services your employer offers. Many companies now provide career assessment and counseling as well as use of company facilities such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines to aid in your job search.

6. File for unemployment compensation if you qualify. This may be a blow to your pride, but you and your family are entitled to such benefits, and meeting basic needs must come before pride.

Tips & Warnings

• Get references in writing from your former supervisor, co-workers and the company personnel representative. Be sure the last includes a statement that the reason for your termination was a workforce reduction.
• Don't delay in handling the necessary paperwork to continue your benefits and roll over your retirement plan monies. There are strict, often short, time periods for doing these things; you snooze, you lose.
• Losing a job, even through no fault of your own, can be devastating. If your feelings of anger, sadness or helplessness persist beyond a few weeks, consider getting short-term therapy for depression.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[jhawk1021]

on 2/2/2009 I was laid off about 6 months ago. And it was definitely a tough time in my life. I hadn't been in the job market in many years - and now I found my self in a very competitive one.

I one piece of advice is to have your resume professionally done. It is what gets you in the door with hiring managers. There are a number of services out there. They range in prices from $40 to $150. I went with a service that charged $49 and was very happy - so you don't have to spend and arm and leg to get this done. I do believe it was worth it to me. I am employed now and quite relieved! I wish the best for all others job hunting out there.

The service I used was www.ResumeSolutionsPro.com.

Best of luck you you all!

[chantelletibbs]

on 1/19/2009 Good topic...

I have an article for you all that may help, it's directed towards artists and musicians but it's pretty much for everyone, it addresses making money right now for a quick fix, and covers what to do about health insurance.

I'm not sure what the rules are, but if you check out my profile, the link to Financially Free Musician is there and you can check it out.

"The Artist's Survival Guide To Getting Laid Off"

Hopefully this can help. I wish you all the best:)

[kelligratner]

on 12/29/2008 I was laid off work the day before Thanksgiving and applied for unemployment benefits that same day. Within 5 business days, I received confirmation of my award. It only took me about 5 minutes to apply online, start to finish. You might as well reap the benefits while you're entitled to them. It's what got me through the holidays ... Happy New Year all.

[dds35day]

on 11/12/2008 you can apply for unemployment online in about 30 seconds.

[dds35day]

on 11/12/2008 I feel for you above - my Dad is critically ill and I was laid off August 13. Have had about 2 doz. interviews- rejected by all. So, my self esteme is SO low, I sort of don't want to go outside... the market in the DC area is terrible- I know & I'm over 50... so I am having a tough time. so my discouragment/anger is sort of feeding on itself & I feel like saving the next interviewer the time... and just assume I get rejected... I know this is not good. I welcom all help. clearly I need it. also, if you live around DC and need an EA, holler:)