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7 Things to do if You Lose Your Job

Getting fired or laid off often comes as a surprise. It can leave some people reeling without knowing what to do next. If you’ve been laid off or fired, it can be a difficult experience. There are so many things that need to be taken care of in your life, and things you need to consider while you wait to get another job. It may involve adjusting your spending temporarily and applying for unemployment. Here are 7 steps you can take after you lost your job:

Apply for Unemployment

Some people qualify for unemployment benefits after they lose their jobs. The first thing you should do is check with your state to see if you qualify. The process is usually straightforward and it can help you get some income temporarily while you job hunt. This of course helps you pay the bills and can be a huge help after you’ve been fired or laid off.

Freshen up Your Resume

A resume is your ticket to an interview and should be updated regularly. Make sure your resume reflects the most up-to-date information regarding skills, experience, education, and achievements. Keep things clear and concise, but make sure to highlight your most valuable skills. It’s also important to create unique cover letters for each job you apply to. A good cover letter along with an updated resume can mean the difference between getting the job and getting ghosted. If you can, hire a resume writer to look over your resume to see if there are any ways to improve your documents.

Reach Out to Your Network

People who already know, like and trust you may be able to point you in the direction of opportunities within their organizations. Your network is a valuable resource. Make sure they know that you are looking for work and that you are available to start right away. You may be surprised where your next opportunity comes from.

Consider Freelancing

If you’re looking for a way to keep your skills sharp, freelance work can be a great option. Freelancing can also be a good way to earn extra money while you are looking for a full-time job. If you have experience working as an independent contractor or consultant, consider freelancing after losing your job. Freelancers can set their own rates and work on their terms which are some of the benefits of freelancing.

Explore Starting Your Own Business

Now might be the perfect time to start your own business. Some people cash out a small portion of their retirement funds after they leave an organization to help them get started. You’ll need a good business plan, an understanding of the business model you want to work within, and a strategy to get you started. Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may be able to get working with very little startup capital beyond the resources and tools you already have.

Search for Job Openings

Of course, searching for job openings and applying should be something you do after you get fired or laid off. You can look on Indeed or social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to find openings as well. Don’t forget to also reach out to family and friends to see if they know of any opportunities that would benefit you and meet your skills and interests.

Care for Your Mental Health

Getting laid off or fired can be pretty emotional. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed, it’s important to seek help. Talking with a therapist or other mental health professionals can be an excellent way to get support. If you just need someone to listen, you can talk with family and friends as well. While it can feel overwhelming, people get laid off and fired from companies all the time. It’s important to have people around you who love you and can offer encouragement during a hard time.

Conclusion

There are so many things you can do after losing a job. It’s not the end of the road, but the start of a new one. Look for opportunities to learn from the experience, grow your skills, and connect with new people. You can spend some time volunteering, enjoying your family, and maybe getting a much-needed break from work for a bit while you look for something new.

Written by Eric

37-year-old who enjoys ferret racing, binge-watching boxed sets and praying. He is exciting and entertaining, but can also be very boring and a bit grumpy.