“I've recently lost my job. Where can I get help?”

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. If your former employer offers transition services such as career or personal counselling, be sure to take advantage of that.

Take care of yourself

It’s important to keep things in perspective and stay as positive as you can. Work on your self-esteem by doing things that make you feel good about yourself. And remember that you’re not alone:

• Get support and encouragement from your personal network of mentors, friends, and family. Sharing your experience and your ups and downs will make you feel better, keep you motivated, and help you recharge your batteries.
• Reach out to your professional network for support, feedback, advice, and information about opportunities that might be open to you.
• Get professional help if you need it. Ask your family doctor for a referral to a counsellor. Or call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.

Manage your finances

You’ll need to be careful with your money until you’re back on your feet. File for employment insurance (EI) as soon as you stop working. Do this even if you don’t yet have your record of employment and if you’ll still receive money from your former employer.

Reach out for additional help if you need it:

• Talk to your banker about ways you can manage your money better. Perhaps you could consolidate your loans or lower your mortgage payments.
• Contact Alberta’s Credit Counselling Society or not-for-profits like Money Mentors for help with managing your debt and planning your finances.
• Call Alberta 211 for information and referrals to community resources.
• Find help through your local community organizations or from the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta.
• If you don’t have a severance package, aren’t eligible for EI, and have no other resources, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992. (In Edmonton, call 780-644-9992.) You can also visit an Alberta Supports Centre or apply for support online. If you are eligible for income support you may also qualify for health benefits and for training to help you find a job.

Look for work

If it has been some time since you looked for a job, you’ll want to review some work search basics to look for work. The following resources can help you get started:

• Check out OCCinfo for Alberta job postings, labour market information, and detailed info on more than 550 occupations.
• Use job search sites to link directly to employers’ or recruiters’ websites.
• Contact an employment agency to help you find work.
• Check Alberta’s Employment and Training Services Directory to find a program or service that can help you find a job.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.