Lost Your Job?

We recently wrote about the things that you can do when leaving a job to make your departure as painless as possible, in an employment sense, for you and your employer.

But what should you do to make things as painless as possible personally? – Especially if you've left your job without another one lined up because you've been suddenly downsized, laid off, or fired?

Don't panic. Well, indulge in a 10-minute panic as a catharsis, then don't panic. Yes, it's easier said than done, particularly when you have financial obligations. (See our point on budgeting below.) Things will be easier on you, and your job search will be smoother, if you stay calm, clear, and focused. This will also prevent you from taking a job you don't really want. Further, if the circumstances of your leaving have caused you to consider suing for wrongful dismissal, you'll want to decide in a calm, rational manner whether to pursue the manner legally.

Get over it. Don't bottle things up. Get rid of your anger by ventilating to friends and family – that's what they're there for. Suppressed anger and bitterness could make you say something negative about your former boss or former employer during job interviews, which will put you in a bad light with the interviewers.

Budget carefully! Hopefully, you already have a personal/household budget. And hopefully you've saved for that rainy day that your mother always warned you about. If you received a severance package, don't go crazy and take that trip, or buy that outfit, car, or Fabergé egg you've been wanting. If you don't have a budget, make one with a clear divide between necessities (e.g., rent/mortgage, food, utilities, insurance) and wants (e.g., trip, outfit, car, or Fabergé egg). Avoid frivolous spending: Now is not the time for luxuries! But if you can afford it, set aside small amounts of money for rewards – like a night at the movies – for reaching job search goals.

Start your job search right away. For the time being, finding a job will be your job. If you think you want to change careers, go talk to outplacement counselors, career counselors, mentors, college/university placement officers, etc. Update your résumé. Approach people in your network. Check what's available on job boards, in professional journals, and in classified ads. Now might also be the time to update certifications (e.g., ACLS) you've let lapse, or to take a course in a new type of software, which will make you more marketable. Getting started on a job search not only puts you back into a productive, purposeful routine, it helps you set goals and achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Stay active to de-stress and keep fit. Losing a job is one of those significant life events that cause stress. Get the lawn work done. Go to the gym. Walk the dog longer than usual. Take a hike. Do tai chi. Exercise not only helps relieve stress, but it will help keep you fit.

Stay positive! Certainly one good thing is that, as a healthcare professional, you have it easier than many others. Even if your specialty isn't in demand where you live, chances are it is in demand elsewhere and/or will be in demand soon where you live.

Good luck!

For more information, see: When the Ax Falls, Job-Search Checklist, Interviewing for Success, Interview Tips, Dear Cindy – Still Having Motivation Problems, Dear Mark – In Mourning for a Lost Job.

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