How to Cope After Being Laid Off

You may have just been given a pink slip dismissing you from your company. There is a certain level of hurt no matter how long you have been on the job. This guide will help you cope.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cell Phone
• Notepad
• Address Book
• Bible

1. Realize this layoff is NOT about YOU! Do not make any quick decisions without talking to your spouse and God. Thousands of people are being laid off and DO NOT take your layoff personal. This is your time to be of service to others. You were valuable to the company and now you need a strategy to help others so there will be no "empty places" on your resume.

2. Call a friend via your cell phone and talk to them. This is not a time to be ashamed or depressed. Depression will sneak in if you allow it. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings" 1 Peter 5: 8-9.

3. If you belong to a church contact the pastor. If not contact a church near you for prayer and fellowship. This is a time to go to the church rather than run away. You need someone who will stand by and with you. Go to a cafe or restaurant and list all of your skills and things you have done for the company.

4. Contact people you worked on projects with and ask them for a reference. Getting a reference now will allow for you to start applying to jobs as required by unemployment. Volunteer at an organization in your city. This will allow you to avoid the "empty" time periods for you not working. Employers will value your willingness not to be idol.

5. Take time to relax, you have worked most of your life. When have you had time to spend time with your family?? Drugs, alcohol, and gangs have taken our youth. Get involved in your neighborhood or the inner city and make an impact on their lives. Work with crown financial ministries to establish a budget (it's free).

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stress, God will work things out if you are faithful to him by ministering to his people.
• Read the Bible, there are many instances in the Bible of people that were laid off without any money. (Exodus 22, Job read whole book, 1 Samuel 4, and John 3:16)
• There are times when you will wonder why... that's okay.
• You may think you need time to "heal" before helping others. The truth is you heal quicker by helping others.
• Someone is worst off than you, seek Godly counsel for sound advice.

Resources

• Crown Financial Ministries
• Avoiding Depression
• 1-888-Need-Him Prayer Request

[sprintert]

on 8/26/2009 I liked your article! I agree what you said, being off can sometimes be a blessing.

[geekmommy4]

on 5/6/2009 This is a great article and very timely with the economy like it is. 5*

[elyria]

on 5/4/2009 Very informative and helpful article!

[cygnetbrown]

on 4/17/2009 Thanks for the wonderful advice. Sometimes I've found that losing a specific job has ended up being a blessing for me. I wouldn't be doing what I really love if it weren't for losing a job I hated.

[Smireles]

on 4/8/2009 Our economy is in a constant state of change and technology has phased out and elimenated jobs. Get the facts about what you are up against and prepare for a new career. Good job! Never underestimate the power of prayer to get you through this time.