Guide
How to Recover After Job Loss
Losing a job is one of the biggest life changes you can experience. If you feel overwhelmed, that’s normal, and it’s ok. Follow this guide to help you get to the next chapter of your career.
This is a companion to Job Loss: Creating a New Future.
You may be feeling stressed, and that’s understandable. This guide will walk you through the process of handling a job loss:
- First, you’ll deal with the most important tasks you need to do within the first few weeks.
- Once you’ve handled the essentials, take a step back to self-assess. Learn how to cope and use the supports available to you.
- As you work through these steps, you’ll learn to move forward towards a rewarding future.
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.
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.
When you lose your job, it can be upsetting. But remember that you’re not alone and there are supports available to help you.
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.
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?
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?
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.
It’s important to keep things in perspective and to stay as positive as you can. What are you saying to and about yourself?
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?
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.
No one makes it alone. Give others a chance to help you cope with your job loss.
Different strategies work for different people. Give your self-esteem a boost by making 1 or more of these lists.
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.
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.
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.
Your action plan defines how you will accomplish your goal. The first step is to break things out into manageable pieces.
Identify the barriers you’ll need to overcome in order to reach your goals.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed this guide.
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