The good news is that, while it can be very frightening to lose your job, this event has the potential to put you on an exciting new adventure. The right attitude can help you immensely in seeing this hardship through!
Here are some things you can do to minimize your losses and soar like an eagle:
1. Freely discuss your job loss with your spouse. Many people feel ashamed or guilty about losing their job and try to hide it from their loved ones. It is understandable that you might be afraid, but not being open about this subject can result in a loss of trust. Furthermore, you would not benefit from the emotional support that your family would be able to provide.
Since being unemployed affects the entire family, be sure to make plans together and agree on making changes in your spending habits to lessen the impact.
• Evaluate where you stand financially. Determine how much savings you have, the resources available to you, and which bills are coming due around the corner.
• Draw up a short-term budget to follow while you figure things out.
2. Ask your former employer to provide a severance package. Even though your job has ended, the final details are important to your financial future.
• Find out about your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that your family can retain health insurance without any lapses during your search for a new job.
• Ask for a severance package. Some employers will give you a few weeks pay as severance. If it is available, research every detail, such as the beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely as this information will be necessary for applying for unemployment insurance benefit payments.
3. Apply for unemployment benefits from your state. Most states offer online applications to help expedite the process and get you enrolled quickly. Unemployment benefits can bring in some financial relief while you're job hunting.
4. Update your resume. Consider posting your resume online on job sites and Craigslist and print plenty of copies to drop off or mail.
• Start your job search by networking with the colleagues you are already familiar with. Search through online classified ads, job boards, forums, and applying directly to companies via their websites. The internet allows you to search the entire world right from the comfort of your own home, and can open doors of opportunity that were previously unavailable to you!
• Consider starting your own business. Many people consider their talents, gifts and passions when they lose their job. Perhaps you have a product or service idea that the world may appreciate. Research these ideas and talk to other business owners about the benefits of being self employed.
5. Develop a positive and hopeful attitude about this opportunity you've been given. Offer positive, affirming thoughts to yourself and your family to keep everyone's spirit high.
• Positive thinking can make a huge difference on how quickly you find the right job. Enthusiasm will impress prospective employers much more than if you sink into a negative outlook and carry it with you unintentionally during your interviews.
6. Consider all options. Many times in life, events that initially appear to be horrible end up being a blessing in disguise, and losing your job is no exception.
• Perhaps you weren't completely happy with your job, but were hesitant to leave it. Now that the decision has been made for you, you finally have the opportunity to try out a new profession or company. This happened to me, and I took full advantage of the opportunity. It helped me to clarify what I really wanted from life.
• The possibilities are endless. You can even use a layoff as an opportunity to explore a new area of the country, travel the world for a new job, or work online.
You can find success regardless of the economy. As long as you keep a positive mental attitude and focus on doing the things you can, you will end up being much better off. Your life will have new energy and you will learn new valuable skills.
Coach Melanie Roum obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work and has practiced for seven years. Her life's work is focused on coaching others to live their lives to the fullest through simple but powerful time management and personal development techniques.
If you are like everyone else, your time is your most valuable resource! Stop wasting it and get more accomplished in less time!
Melanie_Roum
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