How do I cope with getting laid off?

Tips and advice for dealing with being laid off.

Tutorial

Getting laid off from your job can be one of the most defeating and depressing things an adult has to deal with. This is especially true if you’ve been at a company for an extended period of time.

Were you laid off because of company downsizing or industry downturn? Then you were laid off through no fault of your own. So, don’t blame yourself. But don’t waste time blaming the company or anyone else either. Sure you invested a lot of time with that company, but it doesn’t serve any productive purpose to play the “what if” and “if only” games. You got laid off. It happened. Now you have to deal with it.

Most cities have free counseling available to low or no income people. Some will even offer it on a sliding scale to everyone. Just because these services are cheap or free, doesn’t mean they are bad. And it is better to talk things out with a professional than stew in your worries and possibly make things more stressful in your family life. In fact, bring your spouse to the counseling too, because they are also dealing with your lay off.

Once you’ve “gotten your head straight,” move on! Start looking for your next job or career. It can be tough, and take time. Especially if many others were laid off in your town at the same time. You may have to take a job you wouldn’t normally like in order to keep paying your bills. But keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be permanent. Just do what you have to in order to get through it, and you’ll find another niche for yourself when the time is right.