Coping with a layoff can be a difficult experience. Life calls for us to adapt in light of the toughest changes sometimes, and a layoff is certainly one of those changes that can be completely challenging to cope with. Things will get better though, and some of the best things you can do to cope and adapt to this sudden change can be found right here. The following five tips for coping with a layoff will get you well on the way to moving on with your life in a healthy if not improved state from where you even started.
Talk With Loved Ones
When it comes to layoff time, one of the best and first things one should do is discuss the situation with close family and friends. When difficult things happen in life, it is these core roots and relationships that we often rightly rely on in order to re-acclimate and move on. Some are tempted at this point to hide or put-off discussing the situation with loved ones. This is understandable, but ultimately not helpful. By getting everyone on-board, everyone can then act as a cohesive unit with regard to future plans, current status, and all else involving the current situation.
Plan Next Moves
After you’ve discussed the situation with your family and friends, it’s time to dust-off and come up with some plans for moving forward. If you are satisfied with your career and want to continue it elsewhere, consider the steps you will need to take in order to make that happen. If you would like to make a change, now is a great opportunity for that as well.
This is when you take a little “you time” and consider what would make you happiest going forward. No matter the path you choose, there will likely be at least some leg-work involved to get there. Make a list of the necessary steps and start approaching each, one by one.
Seek Assistance
If, on the other hand, you find yourself really struggling with the emotional ramifications of the layoff, do not hesitate to seek assistance. This is certainly a difficult time for anyone, and sometimes, a little extra help is all one needs in order to get back in the saddle again. If you have current insurance, consult your primary care physician and insurance provider for someone to see.
For those lacking insurance, often due to the layoff, don’t worry. There are still plenty of resources you can seek in order to resolve your current situation and understandable emotional stress. One resource is that of your local social services center. Here, access to the appropriate professional help can be gleaned no matter your social or financial status. Another great and free resource is that of the US Department of Health and Human Services. This department can provide immediate as well as other forms of long-term mental health resources.
Refine Your Vocational Presentation
Perhaps at this point you find yourself becoming idle. You’ve talked with family and friends. You’ve planned your next moves, and now you’ve got lots of free time to figure out how to manage. This is actually a great time to take advantage of by way of refining your vocational presentation.
How accurate is your resume at this point? Are your references still available and accurate? When was the last time you managed your online job-seeking presence and presentation? Now is a great time to overhaul that old or less than perfect presentation, and make yourself really shine on paper.
Stay Busy
Finally, one of the most important tips we can offer is to stay occupied. When a layoff victim or any other setback sufferer stays idle for too long after the initial happening, mental and physical health will often suffer substantially. First and foremost, stay on top of the job search, counseling efforts, and all other endeavors that will get you back to work. Secondly, do whatever you need to do to not be continuously idle. Go for a walk, go to the gym, do housework, paint a picture – just don’t go into a depressive hibernation.
Layoffs are not an easy obstacle for anyone to deal with. With a little direction and tenacity on your part, however, that layoff will eventually just be a distant memory of troubles overcome. While there is plenty more one can find to do in coping with a layoff, the above-mentioned tips here will definitely get you going in the right direction.
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