Coping with Job Loss: A Checklist for Surviving Job Loss and Getting Back on Track
Surviving Job Loss, Part 2
Coping with job loss can be one of the most challenging times in your life. To help you through this transition, we've put together this site filled with tips and career advice to help you build momentum toward whatever is next for you. Use this clear, realistic framework to help you get back on track. In Part 1 about surviving job loss, we covered five critical steps you should take as you find yourself coping with job loss. In this section, we'll look at five more steps you should take to get back on track. A Layoff Survival Plan for Coping with Job LossHere are five additional steps for coping with job loss. - Cut Expenses
Take a serious look at your expense and cancel everything you don't need. This could be a long hall and you need to stretch every dollar you have. Change plans on cell phones, cable, memberships and other items. Ease up on the discretionary items. When in doubt, cut it out.
In addition, take time now to uncover the support systems in your community. Though you may never use these them, it is good for you to know that they are there. Some ideas include the local food bank, your church, energy assistance programs, the Salvation Army, medical clinics that charge on a sliding scale, WIC, your state’s Medicaid program and others.
Finally, keep credit cards charges to a minimum; it's easy to let credit keep you in denial of your financial situation. Be smart and proactive to stay afloat. - Make Finding a New Job Your New Job
A serious job search takes time, focus and energy. When you're surviving job loss and seeking a new job, plan your work and work your plan. Our article, How to Find a Job is a good place to start. - Build a Social Network
Meaningful work not only brings in the bacon and helps build your sense of self-worth; it provides a strong social network as well. This becomes starkly apparent when you're surviving job loss, and in addition to the challenges we've already discussed, you miss your friends.
Before you get stuck in a funk, reach out to a group of friends, a networking group, your former co-workers or even a group of people that share a hobby. Rebuild your social network and keep it alive. Use this opportunity to enjoy yourself, make new connections, deepen established friendships and to continue to network. - Consider Self Employment
Your own business. It's likely something you've toyed with even before you found yourself in the position of coping with job loss, but now you may find yourself thinking: Maybe now is the time.
The good news is that self employment -- either as a supplement to your income or as full time work -- is more realistic now than ever. Whether you're thinking of freelancing, consulting, work at home jobs, starting a service business, building an online business buying a franchise or have an idea for another kind of venture, there is no time like the present. - Take Time to Recharge
As the saying goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Now is not the time to be dull. Even though you'll be watching pennies, be sure to build in some form of recreation to maintain perspective and a positive outlook. Take it on as a challenge to find fun things to do for little money, such as matinee movies, great happy-hour and early-bird specials, or simply enjoyable walks, hikes and bike rides that allow you to enjoy the outdoors. Coping with job loss may be one of the biggest challenges you'll ever face. But if you stay focused on the possibilities that lie ahead of you, you may just find that it was a good thing after all. Good luck! Do you have a story or tip to share about how you're dealing with job loss or job layoffs? Would you like to hear about what is working for others? Click here! If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:
Return from Coping with Job Loss to Surving Job Loss (Part 1)
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