Okay, maybe everyone is a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. The truth is, most of us will experience some form of involuntary job loss at some point: a firing, a layoff, a restructuring, or even the closing of a business. It stinks in the moment, but it also has the potential to launch you into something better.
So what should you do if it happens to you?
The first thing I recommend is to work hard to shake off any feelings of shame. You almost certainly don’t have anything to be ashamed of, and even if you wish you’d performed differently, you have a great chance now to learn some valuable lessons to take into your next role. And honestly, I think of this as something like a rite of passage or an inevitable bump along your path—it truly does happen to almost everyone!
Second, get practical. Check out the tips on sites like Intoo, Liz Ryan’s LinkedIn, and the book All the Cool Girls Get Fired by Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill. File for unemployment right away, understand how long your insurance will cover you and if you have options like COBRA, when your last paycheck will be, and so forth. You can also talk to an employment attorney if you have questions or think you might have a case, but ask first whether the first session will be free. (If not, check your state’s Department of Labor & Employment, a law school in your area, or a free source like Towards Justice.)
When you have a sense of your legal standing and how much money you have going forward, take a little assessment time.
Are you broke and need a replacement income right away? (Don’t forget to factor in your unemployment! Things might not be quite as grim as they initially seem.) Think about what you’re willing and able to do for a shorter period, say up to 12 months. Alternatively, consider what you might do part time for now, just to get a little cashflow going on. Make a list of jobs or employers and start applying. Network with old colleagues. Your anxiety will ease after you have money coming in, which is a great time to reassess what’s next for you.
Do you have enough to coast for a while? Take a little break! You’re dealing with lots of emotions and you deserve a break! If you can afford it without undue anxiety, consider traveling someplace you’ve always wanted to go. Really lean into self-care, catch up on sleep, spend time with loved ones, get outside (weather permitting), exercise, and generally get to a place of wellness as much as you can. (Honestly, do as much of this as you can even if you need to find a job ASAP. It will help you in the long run.)
After your R&R time, start thinking about what’s next. What did you like about your last job? What did you dislike? What did you like at one point but get tired of? What have you always wanted to try? These questions might lead you in a new direction, or they might tell you that you want something similar to what you’ve just left. Both are valid, so let your answer come to you without added stress.
If you’re making a change, look for contacts in the field, classes you can take, and job descriptions so you can start reworking your resume. Let your friends and family know what you’re looking for so they can send you things, but remember that your family, in particular, may send you things based on an outdated view of you. Just thank them and, when possible, clarify what you’re seeking now.
If you’re sticking with your field, reach out to former colleagues or people you’ve done projects with and let them know you’re looking. Most people will genuinely want to help, so this is not the time to be shy or overly self-sufficient!
Mostly, try not to panic. This is a very normal situation, not a reflection of some inherent character flaw. You’ve handled difficult things before, so you can handle this now.
