Dealing With a Layoff

Career Help Center

Strategies You Can Use to Deal With a Layoff

During this time, it might be difficult to think clearly; your mind is full of fear and uncertainty But you need to try to put that aside and be focused. The decisions you will make now will shape your career from this point forward. Remember that this will all pass. Your best course of action is to do what you can to come out better than you were previously.

Sometimes we are put into situations that at first seem to be a detriment, but later find they may be what we need to push us to the next level. I hope this applies to you, with hard work and persistence, you can conquer these difficulties. Now enough with the pep talk, it's time to get started this article may place you on a productive path.

• Pull Yourself Together
  Most likely there are a number of emotions that you are going to have when dealing with this situation, so it is important to tackle them so that you may move on with the next steps in recovering your professional career.
  
  Process your job loss by speaking with loved ones or writing out how you feel without sharing your writing with anyone. Exercises such as these can help you relieve the varied emotions you may have.
• Be Proactive
  Being relevant and proactive in your field is so incredibly important regardless of the status of your employment because you need to be aware of what is happening in the professional world.
  
  Of course, you should attempt to accumulate as many job interviews as possible to get a new job. But in between job interviews you should be logging hours in your field. Consider volunteering or getting an internship somewhere to reduce a possible resume employment gap and appear motivated. Employers will notice that you are trying to remain relevant and appreciate that you continue to gain experience even though you are unpaid.
  
  Even taking an unpaid position shows that you are willing to remain immersed in your field regardless of the circumstances. You are also demonstrating that you are not in it for the money.
• Benefit From the Job Loss
  You might as well take advantage of any benefits that you could potentially reap from the company that laid you off. Think about any references or recommendations that you might be able to get from your previous employer. Additionally, it would be best if you considered any severance package that they offer. You may need funds to continue paying your bills unless you have adequate resources.
• Keep Your Options Open
  With an active lifestyle and involvement in your career field, it is important to remain available to network at any opportunities that you can get.
  
  Put together an updated copy of your resume and keep a few copies with you at networking events to give out to people that you meet. Consider making some networking business cards using our program located in the website navigation menu.
  
  Connect with others that have similar interests as you by joining career-related organizations. Stay busy with activities to avoid feeling unhappy about your situation. Who knows whom you will meet in the midst of all of your activities? They might be your doorway to a new job. If you are interested in a different route you could find out about how to become an entrepreneur.

There are many things you can do to enrich your life when you are dealing with a layoff. The key to success after losing a job is to be positive and enthusiastic. With the right attitude and actions, hopefully, you will not continue to be unemployed — best of luck during this trying time. Please take advantage of all the free career help and career tools we offer!