10 Things to Do the Day After You're Laid Off
1. Get up early, and exercise. Run, walk, ride your bike, dance to a video. Move your body. Sweat.
2. Shower. Wash hair. Put on makeup if you wear makeup. Put on your favorite outfit. Eat a healthful and tasty breakfast.
3. Write a thank-you note to your former boss. Also to the people you worked with. It's classy. Plus, they will be more likely to remember you if they hear of any other opportunities (so include your contact info).
4. Take a good, honest look at your financial situation. Identify where you can immediately cut back on expenses—even if in a symbolic way only. You'll feel more in control.
5. Allow yourself to grieve. A job loss is like a death. Mourning is a normal, healthy reaction. Just don't let it be your only reaction.
6. Talk with someone smart and upbeat who makes you feel good about yourself.
7. Write out a plan of action. List the things you need to do (e.g., file for unemployment, gather references) in the order in which you need to do them.
8. Perfect your résumé. If you need help, remember that the library has, free, many books that will offer it.
9. Make a list of all your contacts: anyone/everyone who could possibly lead you to a new job.
10. Reflect. If you've been yearning to change careers, now's a great time. Start researching. Dive in.
Karen Burns, Working Girl, is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, to be released by Running Press in April 2009. She blogs at karenburnsworkinggirl.com.
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Reader Comments
RE: What 80 year old...
To Lisa of PA,
Honestly, if you ever got laid off it would probably be becasue of your attitude. (I mean come on, she's 80)!
You aren't happy with the job you have arevyou? Go ahead tell the truth. Start on her list now, you may need it in the future.
What 80 year old....
What 80 year old wrote this list?? Once upon a time "pounding the payment" & talking to friends could find you a job. Now, No one takes walk-in inquries for jobs, unless you want to work in the mall or at McDonald's. I think the list should include adding a updated resume to every online job search website you can find. I also think sending a Thank You note to your boss is a complete waste of time. Your Boss either was laid off like you or is trying to prevent bankruptcy. Thus he's trying to safe his own hide NOT find you a new job. So, to the retired, 80 year old, who writes & submits articles from they're home office, while sipping peppermint tea, Shut UP!
Rights regarding severance
This article is common sense at best, and a "feel-good," fluff article at worst.
What about the nuts and bolts? Specifically: How do you handle a severance agreement that asks you to sign away your rights in exchange for the severance?
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