If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re probably facing a number of emotions.
Maybe shock, sadness, worry, sometimes even relief and happiness in the case that you simply hated what you were doing. You’re also facing numerous possibilities.
Losing your job might seem like a very big problem, but like all problems, it can be viewed as an opportunity.
It might be your chance to work for a better company, find a better position, move to a new location, or completely change your career.
Often, though, realizing these opportunities are out there takes time and sometimes a little guidance as well.
That’s what we aim to provide here:
How to Survive Job Loss – What to do after losing a job
Accept it. Once you’ve lost your job, it’s over. You’re not going back to that company, so don’t dwell on it too much. You’ve been cut loose. In other words, you’re free. Sure, you might have worked at a wonderful company, but there are undoubtedly things you would have liked to pursue or achieve that just didn’t happen. With the experience and knowledge you gained from your job, you can now seek out these opportunities. The best way to look back on your old job is to realize that you learned many things while you were there. Think about when you started and what you gained during your employment. Think about how you can apply this to bigger and better things.
Enjoy your time. Improve Yourself. Unemployment is also an opportunity to improve yourself and your life. Don’t lose any time in starting your job search (connecting with others, fine-tuning your resume, being on top of job listings, etc.) but use the additional free time you have to spend more time with those you love, doing the things you love, and learning about things you’re interested in (especially those that will help you in a job interview). Be active and joyous in your unemployment. Not only will it be good time spent, but the positive ways you spend it will shine through in your interactions with others. Getting up late, not showering, and moping around is free time wasted and brings your spirits down. Employers pick up on this vibe – give them something to be excited about.
Think about your goals. When you lose your job there is no better time to evaluate personal and career goals. What makes you happy? What you are best suited for? What jobs fit your knowledge and experience? Are you perfect for a position but would achieve perfection by learning a specific technology skill? Now is the time to take that on! Create a map to your next job with necessary skills as locales along the way. This is the time to seize your opportunity.
Keep an eye on the practical side. Know your financial situation and do everything you need to do to make sure you can pay your bills and live comfortably. It is hard to achieve career goals and seize opportunities if you’re on the edge of going into debt or losing your home. Do apply for unemployment. Do spend and save sensibly. Try to avoid additional debt (such as relying on credit cards). Money problems will be your quickest route to desperately accepting any employment offer that comes your way. This could mean years of working in a job you hate.
Remember, job loss isn’t the end of the world. You will survive losing your job and you will find another job. There is always more to learn about your career in the next chapter, and so it is time to close the last chapter and turn the page.
Who knows what awaits you?
Lynn Mattoon is a Content Editor & Career Writer for administrativejobs.com, a Beyond.com career community.
You may be interested in reading other Lynn’s articles of this series:
