Are you feeling a little lost after being laid off from your job?

A woman on a phone says, "I lost my job and I don't know why."

Getting laid off from a job can be an emotionally difficult experience.

These 5 strategies will help you cope with being laid off and help you take care of your mental and physical health.

Did you know?

Step 1: Allow yourself to grieve

Similar to other losses, you may experience the 5 stages of grief after being laid off from your job: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

A man riding a bike while crying.

Let yourself feel what you feel, but remember to not take it personally.

Layoffs are usually out of your control and don't reflect your performance.

Did you know?

Step 2: Prioritize self care

A young girl giving herself a hug.

Without a job, you may not know what to do with all your free time.

Establish a new routine that keeps you busy and takes care of your mental health.

Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and do things that bring you joy.

Quiz

Which of these can you add to your daily self-care routine after being laid off? Check all that apply.

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Did you know?

Step 3: Get support

You don't have to cope with a layoff alone. Lean on those who care about you.

A woman in a garden says, "I need help."

Tell your friends, family, and professional network about your layoff and ask for help.

Be specific!

  • Share your struggles: processing grief, being productive, keeping busy

  • Share jobs you want: specific titles, especially if you're changing careers

  • Let them help you plan activities to keep you busy: cooking, hikes, spa day

You may also consider going to therapy or a mental health coach to help you process your feelings after a layoff.

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Step 4: Evaluate your finances

Not knowing how you'll pay the bills may cause you stress.

It's time to learn to live on a tight budget to reflect your new situation.

A woman in an apartment approaches a friend, She asks, "Did someone say budgeting?"

Consider:

  • Your last paycheck: What was the amount and date?

  • Unemployment benefits: What is the amount and frequency? Apply ASAP!

  • Severance package: If you get it, how much and when?

  • Health insurance: When does it end? Can you pay to continue?

  • Savings: How long can you cover your bills without a job?

  • Cut expenses: What can you do without until you find a new job?

Did you know?

Step 5: Update your resume

Now that you've taken care of your well-being and adjusted your finances, it's time to start looking for a new job. The first step is updating your resume and professional profiles, then start applying.

A montage of a person preparing to update their resume. The text reads, "Check out resume writing tips."

Check out these related Bytes for tips:

Quiz

Kate was laid off yesterday. She told her friends and family and posted on LinkedIn. Her company will pay her severance and health insurance for 3 months. Which of these coping strategies should she try this week? Check all that apply:

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Take Action

Geri from Succession says, "I can cope."

Losing a job unexpectedly can be difficult, but you can get through it with these 5 steps:

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