Lost Your Job? Here’s how to Cope.

You can’t turn around without hearing about the skyrocketing unemployment rate and how bad the economy is. It’s nerve-wracking enough when you have a job, but it you’re one of the millions of Americans who are out of work it can seem overwhelming.

The good news is there are concrete actions that you can take to help you deal with the loss of your job and find another one. You can get back on your feet.

It’s only natural to feel discouraged and distressed after a job loss, so don’t beat yourself up if you feel depressed at first. However, keep in mind that this could be the start of bigger and better things for you and that the right attitude can go a long way to making a difficult experience into a time of growth.

Here are some specific things that you can do to make the most out of a job loss:

Talk openly with your partner about your job loss. A job loss affect the whole family so be sure to make plans together. It will be easier to cut spending and make sacrifices if you all know you’re in this together.

• Evaluate where you stand financially. Make a careful reckoning of how much you have in savings and what expenses are coming up.
• Draw up a short-term financial plan to follow while you figure things out. You can brainstorm with your partner to come up with resources that you might not have considered on your own.

Keep in communication with your former employer. Although you no longer work for them, the final details are important to your financial future.

• Be sure you understand your insurance options, such as COBRA, so that you and your family can remain covered without any lapses during your search for a new job.

• Negotiate a fair severance package. If one is available, find out every detail, such as beginning and ending dates for each of the benefits. Account for every dollar closely.

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 much-needed income while you’re job hunting.

Pull out your resume, dust it off and add your most recent information. 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 looking online at job boards, forums, and classified ads, as well as 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!
• Don’t forget about your human network though. By far, one of the most common ways that people find out about new opportunities is through friends and acquaintances. Make sure that everyone in your circle knows that you are looking for a job and use your free time to touch base with friends and professional contacts. This will not only help in your job search but help you not feel so isolated.

Develop an unflagging optimism 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 interviews.

Talk about your unemployment with your kids, too. Your children should know that times are a little tougher and that you need to cut back on spending. Reassure them that things will be okay and use age-appropriate information so as not to stress or scare them.

Consider all options. Many times in life, what initially appears to be negative ends 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.
• 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 in the face of adversity. As long as you think positively and work hard, don’t be surprised if you come out of this entire experience better off than you were before!

Vincent King is available for hire for various ghostwriting services. He loves to workout four times per week, and lives an active, healthy lifestyle.

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