Surviving a Layoff – 4 Things You Must Be Equipped With

Surviving a Layoff – 4 Things You Must Be Equipped With

There’s never a good time to get laid off. Not only does this just feel bad on a personal level, it throws you into a world of unknowns. Having a job is consistency and stability. Not having one means you might not know when you’re getting paid next. 

These are some things that can help with surviving a layoff. 

Be Aware of What’s Happening at Your Company

Effectively getting through a layoff should start before you’ve been laid off at all. Generally speaking, there are warning signs you can look out for to get an idea if you should be worried about getting laid off in the near future. Have upper-level people been talking about a need to cut expenses more than usual? It’s possible there has even been a statement regarding potential layoffs. 

As an employee, it’s imperative to keep your ear to the ground, so as to not be caught off-guard by an unexpected layoff. Doing this can help you land on your feet when the break does happen, or even get a different job before that point. 

Have Proper Documentation and Apply for Aid

Once you’re laid off, finding a new job becomes the focus of much of your waking life. Depending on the circumstances, this can be more difficult at some times versus others. There are a few things you’ll want to have in writing when you lose your job:

  • Get as much from your severance as possible. Companies often offer severance packages to laid off employees. This can help you stay afloat while you’re looking for new work.
  • Get a letter from human resources stating you were laid off and not fired for disciplinary reasons. This can help you get another job, as it effectively acts as a recommendation from your former employer. 
  • Figure out your insurance and unemployment benefits. Everyone’s situation is going to be slightly different here. Research how these services work in your state and for someone in your position. 

You’re going to have a much tougher time dealing with being laid off if you neglect collecting these important resources. Do yourself a favor and give yourself every available advantage when you get laid off. 

Dealing with debt can be one of the most challenging parts of getting laid off. Your bills don’t stop accruing because of issues with your previous employer.

Communicate your situation with your lenders. Letting them know the situation isn’t your fault and you want to pay them back can be helpful. They might also be able to point you in the direction of some additional resources. 

For some people, credit card consolidation might be the best option. This is where you take multiple existing credit accounts and combine them into one new account. This can be done through a balance transfer, or from getting a consolidated loan from an agency like Freedom Debt Relief. 

Use the Internet to Your Advantage

When you need to get a new job, it’s time to get online. There are tons of listings and resources out there for finding your next position. LinkedIn is probably one of the best places to start, as this is essentially a social media network for professionals. Connecting with people here can be one of the best ways to find new work. 

Don’t Let Yourself Get Overwhelmed by It All  

Losing your job is incredibly stressful. It combines several kinds and sources of anxiety into one miserable experience. Despite this, you’re going to be much better off if you take time to take care of yourself. 

This means being kind to yourself. It wasn’t your fault you were laid off. This is just something that happens when companies aren’t able to function properly for a variety of reasons. Periodically take time to do things for your mental wellbeing. It’ll pay off when you do finally find that new position. 

There’s nothing fun about being laid off. But it doesn’t have to ruin your life. Consider these ways you can help yourself survive a layoff. 

Christie Lewis
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