Losing a Job: How to Break the News
November 8th 2007 05:39
Yikes! It’s normal that you will take care of bottom-line things first: negotiating a severance, extending your company’s health insurance through COBRA, and filing for unemployment benefits. These are all essential immediate tasks, says Richard Nelson Bolles, author of What Color Is Your Parachute? In addition, you should:
Tell family and friends ASAP. Be upfront, getting across three things right away. Say, “This is what happened, this is how I feel, and this is what my next step will be.” Your loved ones need to be looped into the stress you’re experiencing—and not only during the first jobless week.
Tend to your ego. Since your professionally self-perception may have taken a beating, focusing on your roles—mother, tennis partner, fundraiser—will give your ego a boost. Recording your feelings in a journal may also help. It’s normal to feel angry, frustrated, and sad. Writing down your thoughts will give you a constructive and private way to vent.
Assess your finances. If you don’t have the recommended six month’s salary to carry you through a job loss and can’ figure out how to stretch the funds you do have, consult a financial advisor. An excellent source: The National Financial Planning Support Center Link
Make it your new job to find a job. Set aside at least a few hours a day to make calls, write letters, check career websites, and network. Most job vacancies are filled without being advertised, so it’s important to get on the radar of multiple companies. Even if there is no opening, ask for an “informational interview” to pick the supervisor’s brain. Then follow up in a month or so. During this time, hook up with a temporary employment agency that specializes in your industry. Not only will short work stints help financial but this move will also get you in the door, putting you in a better position to hear about permanent openings.
Invest in a career counselor. No matter how connected you are, it helps to have a coach in your corner. Career counselors offer job hunting strategies, resume writing tips, and interviewing pointers (such as what to say when asked why you were fired). To find one in your area, log on to the website of the National Career Development Association Link
Tell family and friends ASAP. Be upfront, getting across three things right away. Say, “This is what happened, this is how I feel, and this is what my next step will be.” Your loved ones need to be looped into the stress you’re experiencing—and not only during the first jobless week.
Tend to your ego. Since your professionally self-perception may have taken a beating, focusing on your roles—mother, tennis partner, fundraiser—will give your ego a boost. Recording your feelings in a journal may also help. It’s normal to feel angry, frustrated, and sad. Writing down your thoughts will give you a constructive and private way to vent.
Assess your finances. If you don’t have the recommended six month’s salary to carry you through a job loss and can’ figure out how to stretch the funds you do have, consult a financial advisor. An excellent source: The National Financial Planning Support Center Link
Make it your new job to find a job. Set aside at least a few hours a day to make calls, write letters, check career websites, and network. Most job vacancies are filled without being advertised, so it’s important to get on the radar of multiple companies. Even if there is no opening, ask for an “informational interview” to pick the supervisor’s brain. Then follow up in a month or so. During this time, hook up with a temporary employment agency that specializes in your industry. Not only will short work stints help financial but this move will also get you in the door, putting you in a better position to hear about permanent openings.
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