Tips to Survive and Thrive When You Lose Your Job

Regardless of the reason why it occurs, losing a job is a traumatic experience. Not only do you have to worry about how to find another position, serious concerns remain, such as how to pay your bills in the meantime.

Being unemployed doesn’t just affect your personal finances, your self-esteem will likely take a big hit as well. This is because the work that we do often plays a significant role in how we define ourselves, and how the rest of the world views us.

Taking the following steps can help you to survive, and thrive, during this challenging time.

Replace Lost Income

Depending on the reason why your employer has let you go, you may be able to qualify for unemployment benefits. If you qualify, you will receive weekly payments equal to a percentage of your former paycheck.

This income can help you pay some of your most important bills like rent, and utilities, while you look for a new job.

You can learn more about how to determine your eligibility for unemployment, and how to file for benefits, at sites like Eligibility.com that specialize in providing information about this and other government programs.

In addition to unemployment benefits, you may want to consider looking onto other Federal and state public assistance. There are several income-based programs that help individuals and families pay some of the costs for food, housing, and energy.

Update Your Resume

The unemployment rate steadily declined in 2017. At 4.1 percent, it’s the lowest it’s been in 17 years! An improving job market means that it will be easier for you and others to find a new position.

As you begin your job search, take time to update your resume. Make certain that it contains your correct contact information, and includes important items such as your work history, education, and other experiences that are relevant to the positions for which you will apply. Don’t forget to include a personalized cover letter when you apply for a specific job.

Keep in mind that many employers only accept online applications. Several sites, such as Monster.com, allow you to create an online resume in addition to making it easy to search for jobs and apply online.

When creating your online resume, don’t forget to use keywords that will help your resume to stand out in search results, as most firms use software that analyzes submissions for specific industry and duty-related terms.

LinkedIn is another site that not only allows you to create an online resume and profile, it also makes it easy to network with others, make and receive recommendations, search job listings at top companies and join professional associations. Features like these make job hunting much easier and faster.

Practice Good Self-Care

During unemployment, it can be very tempting to withdraw from your circle of friends and basically hide out from the world, but you must resist this very normal urge! While you may want to skip expensive nights out on the town, try to stay connected with your friends and peers, as it will help to lift your mood. Your contacts may also be able to help you find new opportunities.

In addition to socializing, it’s important for your overall health and well-being to make the most of your time while you are unemployed. Avoid picking up bad habits, like smoking and overeating, to cope with the pressure.

Take good care of yourself so you will be ready, and able, to start your next position off on the best footing possible. Get plenty of quality sleep, eat nutritious meals and don’t skip your regular fitness routines such as going to the gym.

Look for Opportunities to Grow

View this time in your life as an opportunity to expand your horizons. Take online courses to keep your existing skills sharp and learn new things. Consider spending part of your time giving back to others by volunteering.

This helps build your self-esteem, and, enlarges your social network. It’s also a great way to learn things that make it easier for you to get your foot in the door in a new industry where you don’t have much prior experience.

Losing a job is scary, but, if you use your time wisely, it can become your opening to doing something more rewarding.