You're Fired

Lose your job today? Somebody did and that somebody wound up in my office this afternoon, absolutely devastated. If you lost your job today, here are some very specific things you can do within the next 24 hours.

1. Call at least 10 people in the next few hours and tell them what happened. It will give you something to do and telling your story 10 times will help.
2. Have a conversation with your immediate family and share with them as much as they need to know right now about your job loss. Know that they will worry about you and wonder how you're doing. They may be afraid to ask, so voluntarily tell them.
3. If you were given legal papers to review and sign, call your attorney first thing in the morning for his/her professional opinion.
4. Hire a career coach, career counselor, and/or professional resume writer if you weren't offered career transition services. It is much too competitive in today's market to try and go it alone, so seriously consider securing professional help, guidance, and support.
5. Stay calm. Breathe. Slow down. It will be OK. Just keep telling yourself that!
6. Browse around on the Internet if you can't sleep tonight. You will soon realize that you are not alone, even though you might feel like it right now. This Career Hub blog has a plethora of insightful posts, for starters.
7. Tomorrow, go to the library or bookstore and get at least one career transition book and start reading and learning more about the process.

There are many, many things to think about, contemplate, and do as you deal with this news. Today, tomorrow, this week-end...one foot ahead of the other.

Comments

[Barbara Safani]

Billie,

These are great points. I have been in many situations where I meet a client less than an hour after they have been downsized. Our initial discussions frequently revolve around the fact that they should expect to feel many emotions over the next few weeks including shock, anger, denial, and even depression but that they can get to a point where they are accepting and even enthusiastic about their search. I remind them that job loss, while stressful, is temporary. New doors will open and new employment will be found.

[Scout]

These are all great ideas, in particular the first step...Tell 10 people. The more you tell your story, the easier it is to process it and get past the emotions that may block you from getting your next gig. One caution, however, pick those 10 people very carefully.

Remember you are a brand and if you vent with the wrong people, you can get branded with what you say.

Expect some bitterness. You may be feeling as though you have been thrown away like refuse BUT on the positive side, you are now free to shape your destiny. No longer are you a cog in a wheel. You can think independently of the corporate agenda.

[billie sucher]

Barbara, thanks for bringing up a very important point about the emotional roller coaster; and Scout, appreciate your tip on picking 10 people very carefully! Exactly, pick "safe" people.