Losing your job: How to stay strong and move forward?

Losing your job can be one of the most difficult events in your life. Whether it's being downsized or laid off, job loss can be devastating. It can damage your career, finances and self-esteem. It can have a direct impact on your safety and well-being, and it can even affect your family. But while job loss is something you can't control, you can control your reaction to it. If you are determined to get back on your feet and focus on the positive aspects of the situation, you can turn adversity into opportunity, even in tough economic times. Learn how to become stronger by reading this article, which provides 10 practical steps for coping with job loss.

1. Know your rights

Before you leave an organization, make sure you know your rights as an employee. Find out what you are entitled to from your employer and the government, including benefits, compensation, and retirement plans. Also ask about references, paid time off, sick and overtime pay, eligibility for unemployment insurance, and whether you can continue your health insurance. For example, you may need permission to use a company laptop for your job search, or you may want to know if you can continue to work part-time or freelance.

2. Analyze your financial situation

It can be difficult to manage your finances if you don't have a steady income, so take a close look at your situation and calculate how long you can survive if you don't find a new job right now. This will help you calm your nerves and make the best decision about your next steps. Start by making a list of your major household expenses, such as your mortgage or rent and utilities, and list all of your assets and sources of income, such as layoff benefits, unemployment benefits, savings and food stamps.

Finally, revise your budget to reflect your new situation. Cut back on any unnecessary expenses and contact your lender to refinance or restructure your mortgage (for example, you can apply for a "payment vacation" on your mortgage). You may also consider temporary or freelance work to earn money in the short term.

3. Engage your supporters

It can be tempting to feel overwhelmed or embarrassed and instinctively want to hide. But confiding in a positive family member, friend, former colleague, career counselor or support group can make a big difference in how you feel. They can help you gain a new perspective on your situation. Social media, such as LinkedIn, can also be helpful. Your acquaintances are a great source of advice and support, as well as information about new job opportunities.

4. Be kind to yourself

It's important to get over the emotional turmoil of losing your job. It is equally important to take care of your physical health by exercising, eating right and getting enough sleep. Taking a break from work can be a great opportunity to take a short vacation or rejuvenate at home, so take breaks whenever you can. Recognize the effects of stress and watch for signs of depression such as poor concentration and memory, extreme fatigue, insomnia and overeating.

5. Re-evaluate your situation

In order to move forward, you need to reevaluate your situation so that you don't see yourself as a victim or think of losing your job as the "end of the world." Shifting your focus from the job you lost to the job you want to get and having an optimistic, forward-looking mindset are crucial to making a fresh start. These are tough times, but on the other hand, this means that many companies need motivated, resilient and open-minded people now more than ever.

6. Think about your goals

When you're ready, think about what you want to do next. If you want to return to the same field, think about why you lost your job in the first place. While it's hard to predict what will happen next in your industry (and the economy as a whole), avoid taking steps that could put you in the same situation in a few years. Losing a job can be an opportunity to reevaluate your career goals, rediscover your values, passions and interests, and move in a new direction. Being open to new ideas can help during difficult times.

7. Make a plan

It's one thing to know where you want to go in your career, but it's quite another to have a plan. It's quite another to have a plan to get there, which is why you need a job search strategy. A job search strategy involves analyzing your strengths and weaknesses, identifying the skills and knowledge you need to move into a new position, and networking with people who can help you get promoted. Read about these and other steps in the article "Create a Career Strategy."

8. Improve your job search skills

It's always a good idea to keep your cover letter and resume in great shape by dusting them off from time to time and revising them so they're ready to go when you need them. Next, pay attention to improving your interviewing skills: thoroughly research each job you apply for so you can make a good first impression when you come in for an interview. This means being honest with a potential new employer. Remember that the employer may already know your work history and the reasons why you left. Explain why you left, what lessons you learned from your departure, and what you will do to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future.

9. Check job postings

Keep your network wide and open. Browse job sites, local newspapers, business social media, company websites, staffing agencies and social media pages. Broadening your search beyond your target job can open up opportunities in related fields you may not have even considered, such as public relations if your previous job was in journalism.

10. Keep a positive attitude

You have overcome the pain of losing your job. You've overcome the injury, gotten back on your feet and developed a plan of action - you're back in the game! But no matter how prepared and optimistic you are, you can't control everything. Finding the job you want may take longer than you think, so stay optimistic.