7 Things to Do if You Lose Your Job

Lost Your Job? What Next...
During difficult economic times, anyone is at risk to lose their job, no matter how skilled or important to the company you are. Should it happen to you, remember these simple tips that will help you to deal with this difficult situation and organize yourself for a job search and finding yourself a new job.

1. Seek out support – Losing your job is difficult and emotional. Don’t try and deal with it yourself. Share your feelings with family and trusted friends, and, if needed, a professional.

2. Spend wisely – Unexpectedly losing your job will likely put you in a tough economic situation. Seek out new cost-saving techniques, such as buying in bulk and focusing on sale items at the supermarket. Take a look at your budget, and eliminate unnecessary expenses and indulgences for the time being.

3. Reflect on the past as you decide how to move forward. What did you like about your old job? What did you dislike? Do you want to find a similar job in a more economically stable company, or was being laid off the kick in the pants you needed to get started looking for the job and career you really want? What is your skill-set? What are your past accomplishments, what have you most enjoyed working, and where have you been most successful?

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4. Make sure your resume is up to date. If you want a similar job to the one you just lost, make sure all of your accomplishments at that job are clear. Show your mastery of the job and your understanding of the industry. If you are looking to change careers, find and highlight your skills and qualifications that best prepare you for this new line of work. And, of course, make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date!

5. Stay in shape – it’s a great way to keep your mind sharp, to occupy your newly unemployed days, and to look and feel great as you seek out a new job.

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6. Network – set yourself some goals. Try and set meetings with one or two people related to your job search per week. These do not need to be formal interviews for an open job. Informational interviews, or introductory conversations, or even just coffee with a friend can help you explore your career options, and, ideally, introduce you to people connected to your ideal line of work.

7. Use your new free time wisely – take a class, read books, learn a new skill, start a money-earning side project. These will improve your skill-set as you seek a new job, and, hopefully, lead to money-making opportunities down the road.

The key is to stay calm and think positive while being unemployed and looking for a new job. Look through job listings online and eventually you will find a new job that suites you, possibly also the one that will bring in more money, satisfaction and happiness.