You've Just Been Laid Off, Now What

Experiencing a job loss can be a difficult and emotionally trying time. You may feel lost, scared, and unsure of what to do next. But it is important to remember that you are not alone. The 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the national unemployment rate was 3.9%. This means that millions of Americans know exactly how you feel. In fact, I went through a layoff early in my career and in hindsight, the situation only made me more resilient. The good news is that there are steps you can take to make this transition a little bit easier. Here are some things you can do after you’ve been laid off:

?Give Yourself Time

It’s okay to be upset after losing your job. In fact, it’s completely normal. Allow yourself some time to grieve and process these mixed emotions. If you can, take a vacation before you hop back into the job marker. Once you’ve had time to mourn the loss of your previous job, you can start taking concrete steps towards finding a new one.

Apply for Unemployment

After being laid off, you should file for unemployment immediately. Many states offer a quick online process so you can initiate your biweekly payments from the pool of unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum weekly amount you can receive is dependent on your previous wages by quarter as well as state guidelines. These benefits can help alleviate some of the financial pressure caused by losing your job and give you some much-needed breathing room as you try to put yourself back on track.?

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Analyze Your Financial Situation and Create a Budget.

One of the first steps you should take after being laid off is to analyze your financial situation and create a budget. This will help you understand where you stand financially and give you a blueprint for how you should proceed going forward. When creating your budget, be sure to factor in all of your income sources as well as your expenses (fixed costs, variable costs, etc.). Once you have a solid understanding of your finances, you can start making changes where necessary in order to make ends meet.?If you do not have a budget or need to start a new one, the Ballin On A Budget workbook may help you align your financial foundation. If you already have a budget, start positive affirmations for your financial situation. Speaking things into existence helps with your day-to-day actions in staying financially sound. I AM In Control of My Finances, a 30 day Financial Affirmation guide can help you do just that. (If you were impacted by the layoffs at Twitter or Meta this week, please DM me for a complimentary copy of one of the books.)

Update Your Resume & LinkedIn

Your resume is one of the most important tools you have in your job search arsenal. Take some time to update your resume and tailor it to each position you apply for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience and make sure to use language that captures the attention of potential employers. Once your resume is aligned, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile as well. When updating your LinkedIn, be sure to ask for references from your former colleagues to build your online resume/LinkedIn Profile.

Network

Many times, networking can single-handedly make or break your career, it’s always good to have people to call on. Reach out to your professional network and let them know you’re actively looking for a new opportunity. Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job. The more people you know, the greater your chances of hearing about unadvertised job openings.

Engage in Continuous Learning

Consider going back to school or taking online courses to improve your skillset. If you’ve been laid off, now might be a good time to consider going back to school or taking some online courses in order to improve your skillset. By beefing up your skills, you’ll make yourself more attractive to potential employers and increase your chances of landing a job. Additionally, furthering your education may help make up for any salary lost due to being laid off. ?Many platforms offer professional courses and certificates, and LinkedIn Learning is one of them.

Consider Temporary Work or Freelancing.

If you need money right away, consider taking on temporary work or freelancing assignments until you find a full-time job. This can help you pay the bills and stay sharp while you're job hunting. ?Try looking for contract work on LinkedIn, Dice.com, Upwork.com, or Flexjobs.com

Practice Your Interviewing Skills.

You should always be prepared with a list of possible responses that could arise during an employment discussion or interview, and this includes being able to discuss the experience as well any strengths or weaknesses you may have in various fields relevant towards their company's needs at hand.

Share Your Story

Being laid off can be embarrassing, that’s no doubt, but sharing your story and being transparent can help you find a support system as well as job opportunities.?Try sharing your story on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, this gives your peers and recruiters a chance to reach out and see how they can assist you in finding your next role. ?Use social media. Social media is also a great way to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities. Follow companies and recruiters on LinkedIn, and like relevant pages on Facebook. Make sure your own social media accounts are up-to-date and professional - potential employers will definitely take a look!

Stay Positive

Searching for a new job can be a long and frustrating process—but it’s important to stay positive throughout the entire ordeal. Remember that something better is out there waiting for you. Be patient and stay confident in your abilities and eventually, you will find the perfect fit for you.?

Being laid off is never an easy thing to go through but understand that it does not have to be the end of the world. Use these tips to help you through the tough times and into your next great opportunity. Do not hesitate to reach out for help and take advantage of available resources You will get through this challenging time and come out stronger on the other side

*If you have tips to share with those who have been laid off, feel free to add to the discussion. *

If you are a recruiter who has opportunities for those recently impacted by the mass layoffs at Meta and Twitter , Etc, please use the comment section here to share the opportunities or provide your contact information.