I JUST LOST MY JOB…NOW WHAT?

We are living in a time of 10% unemployment, and many of us will have to (or are now) coping with losing our job.  It’s happened to me several times, and I know just how traumatic it can be.  As hard as it is, though, there are a number of positive steps you can take to meet this challenge head-on and put the pieces back together.

• This is a loss, so expect to grieve it.  Let’s face it, losing your job is a stressful event in your life.  It puts financial, emotional and other pressure on you and your family.  It’s a time where you will depend on your family, friends, business colleagues, and others for guidance and insight.  For some, it’s also a time where you may need some additional outside help, so get it at a career center, your place of worship, or from a professional counselor. 

• Find out exactly what support your company provides you, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.  Severance packages vary widely in what they do and don’t cover, so make sure you understand exactly the support your company is providing you.  Probably the three key areas to focus on are severance pay, medical coverage, and outside placement services.  And don’t be afraid to ask for added benefits.  We know of individuals who have created tailored severance packages for themselves that went beyond the standard offer.

• Assess the impact.  For most of us, losing our job means losing our primary source of income.  Understand what this means to you.  Put together a financial plan, and determine how long your current resources will last.  At least half the battle is getting the facts together so you have a clear understanding of where you stand.

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