So, youve been laid off. First thing I have to tell you is that its not the end of the world and may well end up being a change for the better. Being laid off is right up there on the stress-o-meter with getting divorced or losing a family member and you will need go through similar stages of recovery.
The first is shock, the second is anger, the third is mourning, the forth is depression and the fifth is acceptance. Everyone is different when it comes to getting through this but behooves you to get through this as quickly as possible. A positive attitude is essential to getting another job and to allow your creativity to flow when writing a resume and cover letter (well get to that later). I got through the stages 1through 3 in about a week. 4 through 5 took a bit longer. Here are some things that helped me:
1. Make a list of chores that need to be done but dont cost any or little money like organizing the garage or basement, digging a garden, fixing little stuff around the house, etc.
2. Get outside everyday! I cant stress how important this is. Its easy if you have a dog. :) Take him for an extended walk. Hell love you for it and youll feel refreshed when you get back home. Take a bike ride if you can or just a walk through the local forest preserve or park. Start working out. Split some wood if you live in the country. Exercise releases natures most powerful anti-depressant called endorphins.
3. Dont drink or drug after the first day. It exacerbates depression and hangovers are not productive. Also, many jobs now require a urine and/or hair follicle test. You could ruin your chances of ever getting a job.
4. Turn off the TV. Its mind numbing crap for the most part.
5. Read both fiction and non-fiction. Fiction based books will keep you creative and some non-fiction books pertaining to your job skills will keep you sharp.
6. Apply for Unemployment Insurance immediately!! More on this in the first section.
7. Set your alarm and wake up the same time everyday. Dont allow yourself to stay up late and wake up late. Its a bad pattern to slip into and exacerbates depression.
For ease of navigation I am going to divide the rest into sections in the following manner:
1. Unemployment Insurance
2. Resume Building
3. Cover Letter writing
4. Whats a salary history?
5. Professional and Personal references
6. Job Resources
7. Cost cutting at home
Please feel free to add your ideas and ask questions as I write this. Its a monumental task and Ive never done anything like this before. I feel that I owe the people on this board for being so supportive during my time of unemployment and anything I can do to pay yall back really makes my day. Remember the saying Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime? That is the vein that I write this in. :)
More to come. 8)
The first is shock, the second is anger, the third is mourning, the forth is depression and the fifth is acceptance. Everyone is different when it comes to getting through this but behooves you to get through this as quickly as possible. A positive attitude is essential to getting another job and to allow your creativity to flow when writing a resume and cover letter (well get to that later). I got through the stages 1through 3 in about a week. 4 through 5 took a bit longer. Here are some things that helped me:
1. Make a list of chores that need to be done but dont cost any or little money like organizing the garage or basement, digging a garden, fixing little stuff around the house, etc.
2. Get outside everyday! I cant stress how important this is. Its easy if you have a dog. :) Take him for an extended walk. Hell love you for it and youll feel refreshed when you get back home. Take a bike ride if you can or just a walk through the local forest preserve or park. Start working out. Split some wood if you live in the country. Exercise releases natures most powerful anti-depressant called endorphins.
3. Dont drink or drug after the first day. It exacerbates depression and hangovers are not productive. Also, many jobs now require a urine and/or hair follicle test. You could ruin your chances of ever getting a job.
4. Turn off the TV. Its mind numbing crap for the most part.
5. Read both fiction and non-fiction. Fiction based books will keep you creative and some non-fiction books pertaining to your job skills will keep you sharp.
6. Apply for Unemployment Insurance immediately!! More on this in the first section.
7. Set your alarm and wake up the same time everyday. Dont allow yourself to stay up late and wake up late. Its a bad pattern to slip into and exacerbates depression.
For ease of navigation I am going to divide the rest into sections in the following manner:
1. Unemployment Insurance
2. Resume Building
3. Cover Letter writing
4. Whats a salary history?
5. Professional and Personal references
6. Job Resources
7. Cost cutting at home
Please feel free to add your ideas and ask questions as I write this. Its a monumental task and Ive never done anything like this before. I feel that I owe the people on this board for being so supportive during my time of unemployment and anything I can do to pay yall back really makes my day. Remember the saying Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime? That is the vein that I write this in. :)
More to come. 8)
