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Job Loss: Creating a New Future

Losing a job can happen to anyone, at any time. It’s one of the most stressful events you can face. These resources can help you take care of the basics, cope with losing your job, and move beyond job loss.

Guide: How to Recover After Job Loss

Use this guide if:

  • You don’t know where to start after you’ve lost your job.
  • You want to track what items you’ve completed through the process of dealing with a job loss.

The resources in the guide are all also listed below.

How to Recover After Job Loss

If You’re Depressed About Work, There’s Help

If your career is making you feel sad or anxious, you’re not alone. Learn what to do when you face mental health issues on the job.

Taking Care of the Basics

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What to Do First After Job Loss

Losing a job is one of the most stressful things a person can face. But taking care of a few important tasks in the first few weeks can protect you and help you feel more in control of your situation.
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What to Do When You Think You’re Going to Be Laid Off

Like it or not, layoffs are a normal part of life—particularly in challenging economic times. Staying prepared can help you through the experience.
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What to Do First After Job Loss — Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you've dealt with the most important things right after losing your job. The sections on this checklist correspond to the 5 things to take care of in What to Do First After Job Loss.
Financial Planning Support

Credit Counselling Society of Alberta

A non-profit service providing consumer debt and credit counselling services in Alberta.

211 Alberta

A helpline and online database of Alberta's community and social services.

Money Mentors Financial Education

Free financial education programs give you the tools to get out of debt, become financially stable, and live a stress-free life. Topics include budgeting, credit/debt, saving, planning for retirement, and more.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Directory

Find an FCSS office in your area to get connected with local support programs and services.

Coping with Losing Your Job

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How to Cope with Job Loss

When you lose your job, it can be upsetting. But remember that you’re not alone and there are supports available to help you.
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How to Cope with Job Loss — Checklist

Use this checklist as you deal with your reactions to job loss. The sections on this checklist correspond to the 5 tips in How to Cope with Job Loss.

How are you doing?

However you react to being out of work, it’s important to stay in touch with what you’re experiencing during this stressful time. These exercises will help you assess how you’re doing as you deal with the loss of your job, work through ways to take care of yourself, connect to your network, and get ideas for staying positive.

Exercises to Help You Cope with Job Loss

Assess Your Behaviour

When people feel they have lost control over their lives, they sometimes compensate by becoming overly critical of people and things around them. Do you have this tendency?

Assess Your Physical Well-Being

It's important to take care of yourself and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Are you paying attention to your body?

Assess Your State of Mind

It’s important to keep things in perspective and to stay as positive as you can. What are you saying to and about yourself?

Assess Your Emotions

Feelings of frustration, depression, worry, and anger will come and go as you adjust to losing your job. How did you feel right after losing your job? How are you feeling now?

Take Care of Yourself

Caring for yourself and nurturing your spirit will help you cope with the challenges in your life. Think of the things you enjoy doing, and make time to treat yourself to them.

Build Your Support Network

No one makes it alone. Give others a chance to help you cope with your job loss.

Stay Positive

Different strategies work for different people. Give your self-esteem a boost by making 1 or more of these lists.
Useful Links
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Information and Support for Mature Job Seekers

As a mature worker, you may find today’s competitive labour market very different from the last time you looked for work. Learn how to navigate the new reality, and where to get support.

Manage Change and Transitions

Learn to take charge of change and the emotional transitions and stresses that go with it.

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8 Strategies for Managing Fear

Change can be scary—especially if it’s a big change. Learn how to face your fears with these proven strategies.

Grief and Grieving

MyHealth.Alberta.ca provides information, health tools, and treatment options for grief and grieving.

AHS Mental Health Services

Alberta Health Services provides help for people struggling with a mental health problem. The Mental Health Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-877-303-2642.

11 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job

Volunteering can give you a chance to build your experience and skills and demonstrate your employability.

Find and Work with a Mentor

A mentor is a trusted advisor who guides and encourages you in your career. Having a mentor can help you succeed at your workplace and in your career.
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The Importance of Networking

70% of jobs are filled by people who heard about them through networking.

Moving Beyond Losing Your Job

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Moving Forward After Job Loss

When you’ve lost your job, you may want—or need—to find another job right away. But taking the time to explore all your options now could help you move toward a more rewarding future.
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Moving Forward After Job Loss — Checklist

Use this checklist as you move into the next stage of life after losing your job. The sections on this checklist correspond to the 4 steps in Moving Forward After Job Loss.

How can you restart your life and career?

To change your life, you need to turn your dreams into goals. To reach your goals, you need to be clear on what you want. Set SMARTER goals.

Make an action plan for each SMARTER goal to give you a step-by-step strategy to achieve your dreams. Identify the barriers you might face, so you can think of ways to overcome them.

Use these exercises to get on the way to a bright new future.

Exercises to Help You Move Past Job Loss

Set SMARTER Goals

Your dreams for your future can be powerful motivators. But, to achieve them, you need to set goals. By taking the SMARTER approach, you’ll be better equipped to face challenges and make changes in your life and career.

Develop Your Action Plan

Your action plan defines how you will accomplish your goal. The first step is to break things out into manageable pieces.

Barriers You Need to Overcome

Identify the barriers you’ll need to overcome in order to reach your goals.