Getting laid off can be a traumatic experience. If you have found yourself in this situation, you could be wondering what you can do to restore your confidence. Getting motivated to go out job hunting after this hit to the psyche can be pretty tough. Below are a few tips that can help you move on after this difficult period in your career.
Know You’re Not Alone
First, you should know you are not the only person who is in this situation. In fact, layoffs are actually very common. You might even know a few coworkers from the same company in the same boat. Understanding that you are not alone in this situation can help you feel a little bit better about things. It might even help to go out to lunch with a few of these coworkers and lament your circumstance. Let yourself grieve and move on. You can also find support through a hiring service or resources from hiring firms.
Work Out a Financial Plan
A lot of people find themselves panicking when they lose their jobs. You’re probably really worried about your finances and whether you are going to be able to stay afloat until getting another job. Looking into unemployment options and sitting down and taking a look at your finances and budget can help. Make a plan for how you are going to keep your finances under control during this difficult time. You might find that things aren’t as out of control as you thought, and you can help ensure you don’t make any major financial mistakes that could make things worse.
Volunteer
Of course, you are probably going to start looking for a job as soon as possible. However, as you might already know, it can take a little while to secure regular employment. In the meantime, you may want to consider spending some time volunteering for an organization you are passionate about, such as a local no-kill animal shelter, or a shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence. By volunteering, you can help keep yourself busy while you are in-between jobs. Plus, volunteer work can help you with networking and can fill in some of the employment gaps on your resume.
Consider Working with a Lawyer
If you haven’t yet done so, you may want to consider meeting with a wrongful termination attorney. If you talk to a lawyer about the facts surrounding your layoff, you can help ensure you were not laid off unlawfully. Generally the first consultation to determine if you have a case is free. If the lawyer feels you have a case, and you might be eligible for compensation then he can help you take the proper next steps depending on the circumstance.
Coping with a job layoff can be very difficult. However, it does not have to be the end of the world. If you follow these tips, you can help gain back your confidence during this difficult time.
