You’ve suddenly lost your job—been laid off, given a “pink slip” which is just our cultural way of saying, “Thanks but we can’t keep you on anymore.” There really is nothing pink and happy about it. Instead of freaking out, instead of laying down and bawling your eyes out, instead of treating yourself to a therapeutic shopping spree with no doubt your credit card smoking behind you, take a few moments to plan a strategy and move forward confidently. Here are some ideas to get you started in the right direction.
6 Immediate Ways to Manage Your Job Lay-off:
- File ASAP for unemployment benefits. Everything you need to know about claiming your weekly unemployment checks is in this handbook. You’ll find information on how to file, where to file, how you can apply, how to collect your weekly benefits, recognize a scam or rip-off when you see one, and links to your state’s official government unemployment website.
Find Out If You Are Eligible For Unemployment
Click this link to find out if you are eligible to file for unemployment:
Am I Eligible To Collect Unemployment Benefits?
Have Your Benefits Run Out?
Click this link to find out how to get an unemployment extension:
- Update your work resume with current information. If you don’t have a resume—make one. You’ll find free resume samples and templates all over the Internet, so use them as a guide. Post your polished or brand new resume online with free job search services like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com.
- Actively look for a job. Job search options include online job search sites like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com; temporary employment agencies like Manpower that place you into good jobs that fit your skills many of which may lead to long-term, permanent positions; job listing sources like Craigslist.org; local workforce and career development offices. If you have a service that you can freelance out—web design, software programming, even data entry and typing skills—consider posting your services on Craigslist.org, eLance.com, or Guru.com.
- Review your monthly bills. Pay what’s necessary to keep your head above water.
- Cut frivolous/luxury expenses and be honest with yourself: eliminate from your monthly spending such common luxuries like expanded cable television services, extra cellphone services, and trips to the nail salon. Buy groceries and necessities in bulk and don’t shop hungry, eat at home, cut out video and DVD rentals, don’t use your credit cards, cancel magazine and newspaper subscriptions, cancel online subscriptions, cancel gym memberships and go running, walking or biking instead, keep your vehicle use to a minimum to save on gas money, turn off lights and lower your thermostat to save money on utility bills.
- Consider looking for a group of people who meet regularly with whom you share similar interests. In fact some groups have sprung up in areas that bring together unemployed adults that share the same fears and concerns. Use this as an opportunity for support as well as a vehicle for career collaboration.
When you’re laid-off from work, it’s not personal, it’s a more and more regular part of our economic turbulence. Make every effort to move forward in the job market.
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