Here's how you can navigate your finances during a layoff in Transportation Planning.

1 Assess Savings

Begin by evaluating your savings. It's essential to know exactly how much you have in your emergency fund. Ideally, transportation planners like yourself should have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved up. If you're falling short, don't panic. Prioritize your most critical expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. This immediate assessment will give you a clear picture of how long you can sustain without income and help you plan your next steps accordingly.

2 Cut Costs

Next, scrutinize your expenses and identify areas where you can cut costs. As a transportation planner, you understand the importance of efficiency and optimization, so apply these principles to your budget. Eliminate non-essential spending, and consider downsizing services that you can live without temporarily, like subscription services or luxury items. Reducing your monthly outgoings will extend the life of your savings and relieve financial pressure.

3 Seek Benefits

If you're entitled to any severance package or unemployment benefits, make sure to claim them. In the field of Transportation Planning, these benefits can vary based on your employment contract and the organization's policies. Understand the specifics of what you're entitled to and the process for claiming these benefits. They can provide a financial buffer and help cover essential expenses while you search for new employment opportunities.

5 Update Skills

Use this downtime to update your skills. Transportation Planning is a dynamic field, and staying current with the latest trends and software can make you a more attractive candidate. Consider online courses or certifications that can enhance your expertise in areas like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), traffic modeling, or sustainable transportation methods. This investment in your professional development can pay off when job opportunities arise.

6 Plan Forward

Finally, start planning your return to the workforce. Set goals for job applications and interviews, and tailor your resume to highlight your experience in Transportation Planning. Be proactive in seeking out new roles and consider expanding your search to related fields where your skills are transferable, such as urban planning or logistics management. With a strategic approach, you'll increase your chances of finding a new role that suits your expertise.