Laid Off? 10 Ways to Get Back on Your Feet

Don't Be Down-in-the-dumps Over Being Downsized. Get Up, Get Out and Do Something About It!

Sadness, anger and feelings of unworthiness can hit like a Mack truck and leave you paralyzed in the wake of being let go. But being laid off doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Use these tips to help you get a grip, face reality, and move forward.

1. Stop freaking out

It may feel rotten, but keep in mind that you’ve lost a job, not a limb. Your livelihood maybe, but not your life. Take a deep breath, calm down, and don’t make any snap decisions like telling your boss where to get off. 

2. Get all the money due you
Find out if your company offers a severance package, any penalties for withdrawing from your retirement account and whether you’re eligible for unemployment compensation. You can find your state’s specific requirements by contacting your local unemployment office.

3. Call the bill collectors…
…before they call you. Let the credit card companies know you’ve been laid off, and they might allow you to send in greatly reduced or interest-only payments. Federal student loan agencies permit some unemployed workers to suspend their payments altogether for a short period of time. Better to work out a deal than to ignore the debt and let it mount.

4. Don’t take it personally
Being fired can sap your confidence, but try not to view at as a rejection of you as a person or let it undermine your self-worth. Prospective employers can spot low self-esteem a mile away, so instead of slumping around like a dumped lover, turn anxiety into energy and use it for a fresh start.

5. …but improve yourself all the same
If a bad attitude or outdated computer skills played a role in your termination, decide to change for the better. Take full advantage of any outplacement training or services offered. Or, embark on your own personal journey of self-discovery at the library or bookstore. Once you’ve reassessed your skills – and uncovered ones you never knew you possessed – bullet and bold them on your brand new résumé.