10 Tips to Survive a Layoff

10 Tips to Survive a Layoff10 Tips to Survive a LayoffBeing laid off is one of the most difficult things a person can face. But you can survive a layoff- and land on your feet in a promising new career- if you take a deep breath and follow a few tips.How you handle yourself in the days following a layoff can make or break your chances of landing a new job quickly. Losing your job is hard, not only is your paycheck affected, but also your self-esteem, identity, and confidence take a hit, too.Although it is normal to feel hurt, angry, scared, and anxious about the future when your professional life has taken a blow, there are things you can do to take control of the situation and come out ahead in the long run.Fast Company recently published an article, Worried You Might Be Laid Off? Heres What to Do, that outlined several strategies to help newly laid-off workers handle the shock of unemployment gracefully and professionally.Whileno one wants to think about being laid off, one of the best thing a professional can do, according to the Fast Company article, is to be prepared for the unthinkable before it happens.Here are 10tips to survive a layoff1. Control your emotions.You have worked hard to earn your professional reputation. An emotional outburst can tarnish that reputation in seconds. When faced with unpleasant news, take a deep breath and give yourself a chance to process your situation before you lose control and say something you mightregret.2. Dont lose your dignity.Begging for your job back isnt going to work. Your company has been preparing for your layoff well before you received the news. There is little the manager can do at this point to save your job, so keep your dignity and self-respect intact and focus on the conversation.3.Think about your next job.How will your separation from the company be represented? What is your company going to say about you when future employers ask for a reference? It is a good idea to ask for an official document- in writing- that states you were laid off and not fired.4.Ask for help.Can your company help you find a new job? The worst they can say is no. Some companies hire consultants to help laid-off workers find new jobs. Ask if your company is willing to provide career coaching or other kinds of support to help you land a new position. Try to get this information in writing.5. Apply for other positions in your company.Ask if you are eligible for other positions within your organizations. Some companies have policies in place that require a waiting period before an employee is eligible for rehireor freelance opportunities, but many dont. It doesnt hurt to ask.6. Make sure to take care of yourself.Dont forget to ask about health insurance, severance pay, and when to expect your final paycheck. Find out if you will be compensated for unused sick, personal, or vacation time and how any bonuses, stock options, tuition reimbursement, or commissions will be handled.7. Take time before you sign.You need time to process the information you are given before you sign anything. You will most likely think of more questions in the days following your layoff. Ask for time to review all the information and to clarify any questions that come up. It might be a good idea to have a lawyer review your exit document before you sign it.8.Register for unemployment compensation immediately.Even if you are offered a severance pay package, register for unemployment compensation right away. In some states, if you wait too long to register for unemployment, you might no longer be eligible. Find out what you are entitled to and take action to get it as soon as possible.9. Update your resume.Your full-time job is now finding a new job. Your resume is one of the most important tools you have to get an employers attention and to provide them with the information needed to ask you for an interview. has published several great articles on how to design a resume that will get you to the next step of the hiring process.10. Get a handle on monthly bills.What can you trim from your monthly budget? This is a good time to go through your bills and cut the fat. Are you paying more than you have to for insurance, cell phones, cable, or other items?Can you save money by following a meal plan or shopping in bulk? Being laid off doesnt necessarily mean you have to stop allspending, but it is wise to cut expenses where you can.Whether or not you have personally experienced a layoff, it is a good idea to think about how you would respond if you found yourself in this unfortunate position. Sadly, layoffs are a real part of business, the more prepared you are to handle the situation professionally, the faster you will be able to move on to your next great opportunity. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to survive a layoff is to keep a positive attitude about the future.Find a New JobReaders, do you have any tips on how to survive a layoff? Let us know in the comments below