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Lots of layoffs and downsizing are happening these days. Unfortunately, reducing the workforce has become an automatic response for companies who need to cut costs. Job loss and the following job search are painful and upsetting for most people.
The emotional impact of job loss can become a huge psychological burden, not to mention a financial one. Here are steps you can take to help keep a layoff from hitting you too hard.
1. Recognize and accept your feelings. Explain to family or significant others what has happened as soon as possible.
2. Talk it out with people. Find support groups or people dealing with the same issue. The purpose of this phase is to help you deal with the past in order to help you prepare for the future.
3. Negotiate a severance package as soon as possible. Severance can be seen as a financial bridge to your next job.
4. Develop letter of reference. This describes the truth as you see it and casts as much of a positive manner as possible and one with which your former employer can agree. Discuss the statement with your former supervisor.
5. Make sure you are eating healthy and exercising. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit each day, as part of a varied, balanced diet. Try to maintain a daily exercise program of about 30 minutes in length. During periods of unemployment, you can get depressed and neglect yourself.
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