It’s All Going to be OK: Tips for the Recently Laid Off

As layoffs become a harsh reality for many office professionals, it's important to learn how to deal with it. As one who has experienced the pain firsthand, I'd like to share some of my personal advice for coping with a layoff.

It's Okay to Grieve

The loss of your job is a traumatic experience. Spend some time licking your wounds and being upset, but only for a few days. It's just wasted energy after that point!

Take a Breather & Look at the Big Picture

Now that you've grieved, step back and decide what you want to do. Is it time to change your career path? Do you want to stay in the same field? Move up or down the corporate ladder? What about starting your own business? Make a plan and put it into action. Nothing is holding you back any longer.

Don't be Embarrassed

You are not the first, only or last person ever to be laid off. If someone asks you what you do, tell them what you do for a living and that you were recently laid off due to downsizing. It's not shameful. You're still a valued contributor to society.

Create a Daily Schedule and Keep It

Looking for a job is a full time job. You need to approximate your "working life" when you had meetings and scheduled lunches, appointments, etc. You need to plan accordingly:

a. If you received a package that included insurance, make all those doctor's appointments and go before the insurance runs out.

b. Plan to get 90-day supplies of medicines just before your insurance expires so you don't have to worry about that expense for a few months after insurance runs out.

Avoid Negativity

It's easy to get sucked into reading, watching and talking about all the negative news. Focus on positive programs, news stories and people. Use daily affirmations to curb any negative thoughts you have about yourself. This is merely one bump in the road; it does not define who you are. There is a bright future ahead.

Network, Network, Network

Tell everyone you know that you have been laid off and what you are looking for. Develop an elevator statement about yourself and your desired next job. You never know who will know someone somewhere looking to hire you. Nearly all of my jobs have come from networking - not the job boards!

Find friends or others who are in the same boat from your most recent employer or previous jobs. It helps to share the ups, downs, tips, tricks and leads with each other. Develop the "unemployed lunch hour." My friends and I ate at a different restaurant each week that had a "Dollar Menu". It was fun to get together and see who could dine out the cheapest while helping each other cope.

Volunteer

Most likely, you'll have more free time. Volunteering lets you network with a purpose - people get to know you and respect you, and perhaps refer you if they know of an opening somewhere. It's incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

Don't Panic

Applying for everything generally yields nothing. Pick only those jobs you are qualified for and apply. If they say they want marketing experience and your only marketing experience was talking with a magazine salesperson, don't apply! Conversely, if you have a degree in engineering, it's ok to take a temporary job at Wal-Mart. We all have to figure out a way to put food on the table, and nothing should be beneath us. Use it as a stepping stone to your next position at that hugely successful engineering firm.

Budget

Now more than ever, you need to watch pennies. What extraneous expenses can you cut? Do you really need premium cable channels? The pest control company? The housekeeper? The rule of thumb is to have at least three months of expenses saved and liquid. If you are still employed and don't have that, start saving immediately.

Being laid off doesn't have to be the end of the world. In most cases, a better opportunity comes along and you'll find greater prosperity and happiness. It's important to meet every challenge in life with positivity and a plan of action. Brighter days are on the horizon, and you're making them happen.