You Lost Your Job - Now What?

You've just lost your best friend - your job. If you really loved that job, you've also lost a loved one and a great family of people whom you worked with.

Now you're out in the cold. You miss going to work, seeing co-workers, and feeling productive. You're probably grieving, starting with shock and anger!

Don't take it personally. After all, you and millions of other Americans experience job loss each year. Trust me - this, too, will pass, and perhaps for the better.

Indeed, you may soon discover there is a silver lining in this job loss experience. Like many other people who have suffered similar losses, someday you may look back and say this was the best thing that ever happened to you, especially if you made smart job loss decisions that resulted in a job that also launched a new and very productive career.

But in the meantime, you've got lots of work to do in order to get through this seemingly difficult period in your life. Indeed, being very busy helps overcome the grieving process.

Most fired people survive and eventually thrive in new jobs. In some cases the job loss was their own fault - got fired for legitimate reasons, didn't see the warning signs coming, quit their job without having another one lined up. But in most cases, they lost their job because of workplace changes beyond their control - reorganizations, off-shoring, internal politics, technology, and downturns in the economy.

Most such people go through a grieving process, which includes bouts of depression and anger and then resignation and realization that they are really unemployed and need to do something quickly!

When your paychecks stop coming in, bills pile up, health insurance runs out, and unemployment compensation does not keep your boat afloat, a loud wake-up call tells you it's time to start getting your house in order by doing things you never thought you would have to do.

That's what this pocket guide is all about - helping you though this critical period. My earnest hope is that you will discover a silver lining that leads to renewed job and career success.

Don’t Get Angry – Get Smart and Focused

	Focus your mind on goals, plans, and implementation.
	Shorten your grief and depression by keeping very busy.
	Put your financial house in order - take a hard look at your income and savings as they relate to ongoing expenses. Tighten your belt accordingly.
	Form a support group with other job seekers.
	Develop an aggressive 30-day job finding plan (see key tips in The Quick 30/30 Job Solution - pages 1 and 58).
	Implement your plan with attitude and enthusiasm - show your spark and be positive.

Do the Basics the First Week Out

	Involve your family - you're in it together, so do it together.
	File for state unemployment compensation - visit www.ows.doleta.gov/unemploy for details on each state system.
	Investigate government-sponsored retraining opportunities.
	Check on your health care insurance - extend it if possible.
	Send a thank-you letter to your former employer - you may become the first re-hired because of this action!
	Let people in your network know you're looking for a job.
	Take a few days off to smell the roses and clear your head.
	Avoid making any big decisions with major consequences.
	Get very busy working on your new job - full-time job hunting!

Manage Your Money Well

	Inventory your assets and liabilities.
	Determine what you need to live on and start budgeting.
	Change your shopping habits and spending patterns (1-2 credit cards only).
	Contact your creditors if necessary - ask for new payment plans.
	DON'T touch your IRA or 401(k) - you'll need them for long-term financial security and avoid 10% penalties.

Form a Support Group

	Join or form a job search club, such as The 40-Plus Club (www.fortyplus.org), Five O’Clock Club (www.fiveoclockclub.com), or a group sponsored by a career center or church.
	Contact friends and relatives for assistance - let them know you're looking for a new job.

Change Your Attitude, Change Your Life

	How's your attitude? Take the quiz on pages 11-12 as well as read Keith Harrell's Attitude Is Everything.
	Prepare for rejections.
	Answer this key goal-oriented question: "What do you want to do with the rest of your life?"

Use the Right Resources

	Government assistance - contact your local One-Stop Center.
	Alumni groups - contact your school for information.
	Online social networks - start with www.linkedin.com.
	Websites - start with www.quintcareers.com, www.servicelocator.org, www.rileyguide.com, www.jobhuntersbible.com..
	Books and DVDs - see resource section on pages 58-59 of this book.