Life Beyond Lay-offs: What to expect and How to Recover

From stock market surges and plunges to the massive overhaul of major American industries, it seems fair to say that everyone is feeling the pressure of change. Regardless of how employers communicate or justify the bad news, the employee sitting across the table hears one message: “You’re fired”.

The immediate emotional reaction can range from anger to astonishment; and even the coolest heads usually feel a surge of emotions on the inside. The actions and choices of the next few moments, days, and weeks will make a big difference in your future, so whether you’ve recently suffered a lay-off or fear a lay-off is coming, follow these steps to set yourself up for financial and emotional victory:

1. Remain calm. Yes- this is difficult, especially if you’re trying to hold back tears. If you feel like you can’t say goodbye or talk to anyone without overflowing, quietly leave the office and remove yourself from the situation. Most employers recognize that losing a job is one of the most difficult changes a person can experience (it ranks right up there with losing a loved one), and will work with you to make the transition as comfortable as possible. If you would prefer to collect your belongings and clean out your desk after hours, just ask.

2. Ask questions. Will you receive a severance package? When will your healthcare coverage expire? Will you be reimbursed for unused vacation time? Who should you contact for a Letter of Reference? These answers will be helpful in creating a plan of action for the upcoming weeks and helping you to stay in control of the situation. Depending on the size of the company, a supervisor or Human Resources contact can provide these answers.

3. Let it out. If you feel like you’re bursting with emotional pressure, let it out. Some people cope and recover by crying, others need to vent to friends and loved ones for reassurance and support. The fact is that lay-offs involve major life changes, and coping with these changes can lead to emotional and physical turmoil. Remember to avoid emotional interactions that might compromise your future, such as venting to co-workers and friends that are still on staff with the employer.

4. Make Lemonade. Positive thinking will make a huge difference in the weeks following a lay-off. Focus on the opportunity of the situation, not the disappointment or setback. Use this time to be honest with yourself about your career path and the level of fulfillment you experienced in the previous position.

5. Build a Budget. Now is not the time to give yourself false reassurance about your financial stability. Calculate your monthly expenditures and try to cut out frivolous spending on wants, such as car detailing or eating out every night. More likely than not, your emergency fund (if you have one) will dwindle more quickly that expected. Setting a plan for conserving as much as possible will reduce your stress level dramatically.

6. Get Going. Don’t put off searching and applying for new jobs. Actively working to improve your situation by job hunting will give your mood a positive boost. It’s okay to feel sad and work through the loss at your own pace as long as you balance it with positive efforts to create change. Lying on the couch or trying to distract yourself with drugs or alcohol can quickly spiral into a full-blown depression. Staying active mentally and physically will make a positive difference in your mood and outlook.

7. Ask for Help. As mentioned above, mental health professionals consider job loss to be one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a person can have. If you feel like you’re trying to stay positive and it’s just not working, or you feel completely uncertain of where to turn and what to do next, visiting with a professional counselor can provide valuable guidance. Try to isolate the main challenge you are facing and choose a specialized counselor accordingly. For example, if you are having difficulty deciding what position you would like to pursue, or how to get there, you should contact a licensed career counselor. On the other hand, if you’re having trouble moving past negative emotions, including depression or anxiety, you should contact a licensed counselor that specializes in emotional health. To browse all counselors specializations on Feel Good Austin, click here.