How to Deal with Being Laid Off

Dealing with being laid off from your job is difficult for many reasons. Here are a few tips to help you deal with being laid off from your job.

1. Make finding a new job your job.

It is a difficult adjustment when all of a sudden you have nothing to do after you've been on a schedule and become used to getting up and going to work every day. I was laid off on a Wednesday, and decided to give myself the remainder of that week to sulk and stew about my sudden unemployment.

The next week, though, I was determined to begin finding new employment. It is helpful to create your own schedule. Plan to get up at a reasonable hour and get dressed, have a good breakfast and begin job hunting. You may find it helpful to spend the afternoons online searching for new job prospects, and then the next morning go out and personally follow up on each prospect. Of course, this also may be affected by the type of employment you're seeking.

2. Job hunting is not a 24/7 task.

While it's important to devote a good amount of quality time looking for work, you can't do it all day and every day. Realizing this, find other things to spend time on, be it finishing that book you never got around to, volunteering more for an organization you love or just catching up on phone calls to family and friends. These activities will be uplifting, and a more positive mood will seep over into your job search, too.

3. Make time to keep yourself well and healthy.

Be sure to get some exercise, even if it is just a walk around the block. Exercise will help keep you in a positive mood. Also, be sure to take care of yourself by eating well and taking a multivitamin. If you get sick or have no energy, you will not have motivation to get moving on your job search. Plus, it is just good for your physical well-being!

Also, many people experience severe mental stress after being laid off. You may feel useless or without purpose. Your self-esteem may be damaged. You may be worried about how you'll take care of your family or just pay your own bills. Many companies offer an Employee Assistance Program that allows you to seek no-cost or low-cost counseling to assist you in dealing with this. There may also be local, government-funded alternatives. At minimum, find the number of a local or national crisis line, should you find your mental wellness suffering.

4. Realize that you are not alone.

Your lay off was definitely not the first, and likely will not be the last. It may help to get personal contact info of others who lost their jobs so you can talk with each other or serve as references for one another.

5. Networking is your biggest ally.

While your first line of attack may be searching local classified ads or Internet sites for new jobs, never underestimate the power of networking. In fact, three of my best jobs I was made aware of by friends, family or other personal contacts. Send a quick e-mail to friends, family, former colleagues or anyone else who may be able to assist you.

Briefly let them know you were unfortunately laid off from your previous job and that you're looking for a new opportunity. If you feel comfortable, you can attach your resume, or you may let people ask for it.

Being laid off is definitely a precarious situation that causes a great deal of mental anguish. However, utilizing these tips and the support of your friends and family will ensure you are positive and successful in searching for your next opportunity.