Illustration by Polly Becker
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Down, But Not Out
By Sacha E. Cohen, January-February 2004
Here are 14 practical tips to help you survive the first month after a layoff
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Getting fired or being laid off can be extremely traumatic. One minute,
you're earning a regular paycheck, and the next minute, you're out on
the street. Take these practical steps to help keep your mind and body on track
during this difficult period:
Vent your anger
"Immediately find a close friend, a confidante to whom you can ventilate
your feelings," advises John Challenger, CEO of the outplacement firm
Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. "That is critical for your
emotional recovery." Clearing the air will help you unload emotional
baggage that can hamper the effectiveness of your job search, he adds. Susan
Wilson Solovic, author of Reinvent Your Career: Attain the Success You
Desire & Deserve, agrees. "Don't become a recluse. You need
people around you who can share your loss. But you have to reach out to
them."
Soothe your soul
Your psyche and self-esteem have taken a hit, so think about some ways in which
you can minimize the damage. Some people find meditation and yoga relaxing;
others might benefit from seeing a professional therapist or counselor.
Nix negative thoughts
"It may be hard at first, but you have to regard your situation
positively," says Challenger. "You have not been fired; you have been
given an opportunity to start over in a better job somewhere else."
Stay professional
Don't give in to your anger. It will only hurt you and hinder attempts to
regain your job or make progress toward finding a new job. For example,
don't write the employer a letter attempting to get everything off your
chest.
Get away
Instead of jumping into a job search, take some time to relax and reevaluate
your next move. If you can afford it, take a short vacation. But even if you
can't fly off to the Bahamas, consider a short road trip or even a day at
the spa.
Keep fit
Nothing is more important than your health—especially when times are
tough. "Stress plays havoc on your body and emotional state, and exercise
can go a long way in managing that stress," says Solovic. By making
exercise a regular part of your routine, you'll not only tame stress and
stay fit, you'll also bring structure to your day.
Understand severance
Make sure that you have a clear understanding of layoff benefits (if any are
offered). Negotiate the details of your severance offer, and make sure that you
have it in writing, advises Damian Birkel, founder of Professionals In Transition Support Group.
"Don't be afraid to seek legal counsel before you sign the severance
agreement. In most cases, once you sign the agreement, you lose any legal
recourse. In many cases additional weeks of severance will be offered because
you are 50+," adds Birkel.
Check unemployment benefits
Many states will allow you to collect unemployment benefits while you are
collecting severance, explains Birkel. However, some states will require you to
exhaust all severance benefits before you can begin to receive unemployment
benefits. Get specific details from your local
unemployment office.
Hold onto health insurance
By law, you're almost certainly entitled to continued health insurance
coverage under your company's group plan. Make sure you thoroughly discuss
and understand your company's health care benefits and how long you qualify
for them once the severance period begins. In addition, be sure to discuss COBRA benefits for temporary health
coverage after a layoff. Not all employees may be eligible for COBRA coverage.
Get references
References are a great way to communicate your assets to prospective employers.
As soon as you can, try to obtain letters of reference from your recent
supervisor and any appropriate colleagues. Better yet, draft one for yourself
and ask for signatures.
Keep records
Even if you think they are not relevant, keep copies of all documents relating
to your employment, especially those that you sign as part of the layoff. It is
better to have a document and not need it than to need a document and not find
it. Examples include pension and insurance benefits, savings plans, training
program certificates, evaluations, and awards.
Be prepared for legal issues
Sometimes, being laid off is more complicated than a straightforward case of
corporate downsizing. There may be legal implications such as discrimination
(age or otherwise). If you think you have a legal case against your employer,
make a list of all documents that may help to prove your case, advises New
Jersey-based attorney Matthew R. Grabell. It is likely that this information
will be fresher in your mind immediately after the layoff than months later
when your attorney asks the same question.
Check restrictions
Before interviewing for a new job, make sure you are not bound by a non-compete
agreement or restrictive covenant that you signed while employed.
Network
Now's the time for all that networking you've done over the years to
really pay off. Take some time to jot down a list of people that might help you
find another job or introduce you to hiring managers. When you contact these
people, don't say "I've just been laid off." Instead, start
by saying something like, "I'm looking for new opportunities that will
enable me to use my XYZ skills..."
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