What to Do if You are Laid Off

Life can be stressful sometimes, and one of the most stressful events anyone can experience is the loss of a job.  When people get laid off they can be overwhelmed by financial worries, anxiety about job searches and interviews, or even how to break the news to their loved ones.  Still, optimism can be a great way to stay motivated – if you have been laid off, show compassion for yourself and be proactive in your search for new employment.  Remember, getting laid off likely has nothing to do with your work performance or skill set, and ultimately the experience may offer new opportunities you’d never before considered.  So, what should you do if you are laid off?

Get Organized

Legally, your employer is required to provide written notice of a layoff or financial compensation in lieu of notice.  Either way, you should have some time to get yourself organized for what comes next.  Depending on your length of service, the notice period will vary so be sure to know your rights.  Check with your HR department or even search online to ensure you are being treated fairly under the law in your region.  You’ll want to consider a number of factors:

• When is your last pay?
• What are your benefit entitlements?
• Are you eligible for severance according to labour laws or your employment contract?
• Who can you contact for references?

Available Support

Once you have a clear picture of your layoff, consider what kind of support is available to you.  Sometimes government services such as employment insurance or supported job searches can help you transition from one job to the next.  It’s well worth your while to determine what support is available to you as soon as possible.  You’re already in the groove of working regular hours, so you can focus your time and attention on what’s coming next.  As already stated, taking the proactive approach will ease your transition to new employment.

Your Personal and Professional Supports

Remember, you are not alone.  No matter how stressed out losing your job can be, you have friends, family, and professional relationships that can help you get back on your feet.  If you need to take some time for yourself, do it – getting laid off is a difficult experience, and giving yourself a few days to adjust is fair.  At the same time, relying on your network of friends and family will allow you to maintain perspective while considering what opportunities are available.  Don’t forget to reach out to your professional network to see what’s out there.  Your social media connections are another resource that can help you find appropriate work.

Make a Plan

Finally, when your mind has settled and you know the terms of your lay off, start to make a plan.  Keep structure in your day, manage your self-care, and put yourself to work finding suitable, challenging, and satisfying work.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this article, and this website generally, is not intended as legal advice and cannot be relied upon as legal advice.  To provide legal advice on your problem, a lawyer must first understand your specific situation.

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