5 Things You Should Do After a Layoff

Being laid off can be one of the most surprising things that will happen in your life. It's one of those events that have a ripple effect on everything else you planned to do. For most people, layoffs happen immediately or within a very short period of time. It's rare that someone knows they're about to be laid off within a number of days. However, whenever a company starts on the decline most people in the company are aware of it. Some expect layoffs, some expect others to leave, and others can just sit and do their work and act as if they're unaffected by it.

So what do you do after you're laid off. You're really a free agent now... unfortunately a free agent without a job and income. So here's what I suggest doing:

Step #1 - Take a couple of days to relax.

You need a couple of days to recover from this incident. Unless you just have your ducks in a row to where you can transition from one job to another or from job to school or something like that then your head may be spinning right about now. Give yourself a day or two to process everything and then take care of business. If you have money to spare to getaway for a couple of days I would recommend doing it. This type of event is a life-altering, life-changing thing and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Take care of the inner-you first, then deal with the outer-you.

Step #2 - Go to your nearest Department of Employment Services office in your state and file for unemployment benefits.

You're already paying into it you might as well reap the benefits of it, for however long they'll allow you to do so. Of course you're only getting a fraction of what you used to make, but it's better than nothing at all! From that office you can usually find job openings that may be of interest of you, and help for this transitional time in your life.

Step #3 - Sign up at about two or three temporary agencies.

Temporary agencies help people provide jobs that are of a short-term nature. They can also help you find full-time jobs as well. I've personally had some great temp jobs - some that have lasted a few hours, and some that have lasted a few weeks. I had one temp job that landed me my latest full-time job and I've had the longest tenure at my current job than I have at any other company. Temporary agencies can save you a lot of legwork in that they're already connected to people who are looking for potential employers. It's a win-win situation for you and for them. I recommend signing up to multiple agencies because different agencies have different clients... so if one doesn't have any openings, another one may. If you do your assignments well, clients begin to ask for you by name. I've had it happen to me on a number of occasions.

Step #4 - Clean up your resume and cover letter.

Now is the perfect time to clean up that resume and cover letter. If you don't have a resume or cover letter, this is also the perfect time to establish one. It's extremely rare that you'll be able to apply for a job without one, so take a day or two and make sure those things are in order.

Step #5 - Evaluate if you're on the right career path.

This may actually be the break you were looking for! I know that sounds odd, but for some people this has been the case. That layoff was actually the thing that pushed them into starting a business, or partnering up with someone else, or going into another industry completely. Many people are in jobs they don't like and are HAPPY to be laid off! They feel it's the exit that they couldn't have planned any better, especially if that lay off comes with a severance package. If this is you, think about if you're in the right industry or doing the right work. Maybe this is your chance to go back to school and instead of working full-time you work part-time. Take advantage of this moment in time and make sure you're on the right path towards purpose.