Losing your job can often feel devastating. No matter why or how you were let go, the effects of suddenly finding yourself unemployed can be incredibly demoralising and stressful. Not only might you question your worth as an employee, or feel sore about having dedicated so much time to your old company, but you may also find yourself worrying about your newly precarious financial situation. But there are certain steps you can take to lessen the impact of unemployment, and make sure you quickly find your feet again.
Be Prepared
Prevention is better than cure, as the old saying goes. And even though unemployment is sometimes unpreventable, the resulting effects of losing your job can be better managed as long as you prepare for them in advance.
For example, start saving now on the off chance that you may one day need to rely on your savings as income. Make sure your CV is kept up-to-date, so you can jump straight back into the employment pool. And remember to always keep networking, so you’ll have a good list of professional contacts who can help you out in a jam.
Stay Professional
When you lose your job, it’s all too easy to abandon the habits of your professional routine. These might include getting up early, wearing professional clothing, or even attending to your normal errands – particularly if you would have otherwise performed these either on the way to, or coming from, work. However it’s important that you stay motivated and alert, not just for your own wellbeing, but also so as to give yourself the best chance of returning to employment at the earliest opportunity. Get yourself up early, dress nicely and always be on the lookout for that next great opportunity.
Draw up a Budget
You may already have a budget for your household expenses, but if you suddenly find yourself without a steady income it’s important to remember that your financial outgoings will need to change accordingly. If needs be, you can meet emergency expenditures with a loan from The 1st Stop Group, but in the meantime cutting down on your outgoings and seeking out savings will help you to weather the financial storm of losing your job.
Spend Some Time on Yourself
One of the most important things that people forget to do, after they become unemployed, is to spend a little time on themselves. But losing your job can be very stressful, so it’s important that you take a few moments each day to relax, unwind, and give yourself the emotional break you deserve.
