Getting laid off is one of the most unpleasant experiences in life. But what’s more indicative of how your future is going to look like is how you deal with this difficult phase. There’s a Japanese proverb that says fall down 7 times, get up 8. Losing a job isn’t always in our control but dealing with it with our chin up is! Here are some ways to help you deal with a bad break up at work and make a fresh start
You Can Still Plan Your Exit
Negotiate your exit! Get your employers to deem your layoff as a resignation so that it helps you with your next job. Your severance pay is another important factor to think about – don’t sign on the dotted line until you’re completely satisfied with the deal offered. Feel free to make a personal appeal as there is no such thing as standard severance pay. You may even ask for health benefits for yourself or your family
Let The News Sit
Your exit story is yours to write. Wait a while before you tell people. Speaking negatively is doubly worse than thinking negatively about the whole situation. You want to look for a new job with a sorted frame of mind; there’s no point begrudging your previous employers.
Mould your story into a positive one – you needed a new challenge or wanted to spend some quality time with family
Positive References
Make sure you complete important tasks before you finally leave with as much diligence as you would have if you hadn’t been laid off. This will help you gather positive recommendations that will come in handy in landing a brand new and better job!
File For Unemployment
Of course you’ll find a new job. But the perfect fit could take just a little time. Apply for unemployment anyway; the benefits couldn’t harm you in the meantime, right? Do it as soon as possible as it takes a few weeks for the paperwork to get processed!
Update Your Resume
Make sure you find a day when you’re feeling positive to put in all that you’ve accomplished at the last job, into your resume. Keep a generic version of your resume ready and tweak it to suit specific job openings as you go. Don’t procrastinate.
Line Up Interviews
Start looking for relevant openings as soon as possible. Speak to recruiters, write to other firms to explore available options. It’s even advisable to start these conversations while you are still spending your last few days at the old firm – it’s easier to find a new job while you still have one.
Keep Calm & Move On
Don’t let the stress stop you in your tracks! Try to focus on the positive new things this happening must have opened. Think about all you’ve achieved so far and the great things you’ve learned. No matter how the end pans out, the overall experience of your last employment has its benefits, why wait to think about later.
If you’re articulate in the way you process and present things – a whole world of new resources will open up. Make sure you still maintain your routine – get up on time, exercise, meet family & friends. This helps in embracing the challenge head on and staying motivated!
Here’s to better and greener pastures!
