How to handle an unscheduled  departure from your job.

Blog

How to handle an unscheduled departure from your job.

Posted on 14 February 2025

How to handle an unscheduled departure from your job.

 

Being fired or laid off can be a very stressful and emotional experience. It can be difficult to know how to react or what to do next. Here are some tips on how to handle being fired or laid off:

 

1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions.

 

It's normal to feel a range of emotions after being fired or laid off, such as anger, sadness, frustration, and fear. It's important to allow yourself to feel these emotions and to process them in a healthy way. You may feel -

 

  • Shock: This is a natural reaction to unexpected news. You may feel like you're in a state of disbelief and that the news can't be true.

  • Anger: You may feel angry at your employer, at yourself, or at the situation in general.

  • Sadness: It's normal to feel sad after losing your job. You may miss your colleagues, your sense of purpose, or the financial security that your job provided.

  • Fear: You may be worried about how you're going to pay your bills, how you're going to find a new job, or how you're going to support yourself and your family.

  • Guilt: You may feel guilty if you think you were responsible for being fired or made redundant.

 

It's important to allow yourself to feel these emotions, but it's also important to not let them consume you. Talk to your friends and family, seek professional help if you need it, and start looking for a new job. It may take some time, but you will eventually get through this.

 

2. Talk to someone you trust.

 

Talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist, can help you to process your emotions and to develop a plan for your next steps.

 

3. Update your resume and start networking.

 

Once you've had some time to process your emotions, it's time to start looking for a new job. Update your resume and start networking with people in your field. Upload your resume to the job starts and update the profile.

 

4. Take care of yourself.

 

It's important to take care of yourself physically and mentally during this time. Make sure you're eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising.

 

5. Don't give up.

 

It may take some time to find a new job, but don't give up. Keep applying for jobs and networking with people. Eventually, you'll find a new job that's a good fit for you.

 

Here are some additional tips for handling being fired or laid off:

 

  • Ask for severance pay and benefits. If you are being laid off, you may be entitled to severance pay and benefits. Ask your employer about what you are entitled to.

  • File for unemployment benefits. If you are unemployed, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. File for benefits as soon as possible.

  • Update your LinkedIn & SEEK profiles. Make sure your profiles are to date and that they highlight your skills and experience.

  • Start your job search early. Don't wait until you're out of work to start your job search. Start looking for a new job as soon as you know you're being laid off.

  • Be positive and confident. When you're interviewing for a new job, be positive and confident. Show the interviewer that you're excited about the opportunity and that you're confident in your skills.

 

Being fired or laid off can be a difficult experience, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many people who have been through this experience and who have gone on to find successful careers. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a new job and moving on from this experience.

 

I hope this helps!

 ​

Share this article