What After You Get A Pink Slip?
Employment | December 3, 2009 at 1:25 amIt’s quite depressing to lose a high paying job and unexpectedly become unemployed. Research says that a significant number of people are under the effect of depression for over a month after losing a permanent job. It’s pretty obvious. You lose your job so you don’t feel like talking to your spouse, you kids, your friends, or anyone else. You want to be alone till you recover from the shock. I apologize for the bluntness, but how is this depression helping you to pay your bills?
Every second of this self-pity will lead to an hour of depression. So, don’t even let the thought of self-pity enter your mind and make you feel worse than the actual situation. The best and the most practical step after you lose your job is to find a new one, which is better than your previous one. Who says there aren’t any jobs in the market? If you have been noticing the recent economic trends, you must be well aware of the correction process taking place in all the industries. The economy is improving and there are jobs being generated gradually.
Wasting time in this situation is like wasting an opportunity. Get yourself on the fast-track and start applying for jobs. Check the newspapers and spend hours searching jobs online. There are probably hundreds of jobs matching your 
profile. Send your resume to every ad that is similar to your choice in any way. Do not, I repeat, do not even try to skip a single ad post that matches your profile. Who knows it may be the one you are looking for? Devote a week’s time to apply for all the jobs available for you in the market. I know, it’s quite hectic to send resumes to all the employers. However, the initial part will be done sooner than you can believe. What’s next? Prepare and wait for the interview calls.
Second best thing to do is expand your personal and professional network. Most of the times, you get the best jobs through networking. Now that you are unemployed, you have much spare time to meet people. Invite your friends, relatives, and colleagues for dinner or a quick coffee. Don’t feel shy to inform them that you are looking out for a new, interesting job and ask for a reference. I am sure each one will provide you with some contacts and relevant information that can help you get a job quickly. Make use of social networking sites like facebook or linkedin and let people know through these sites that you are finding a job.
This will help you only if you believe that you will get a job sooner or later if you keep trying. Lack of interest is a roadblock to your success. Some employers do not post their ads anywhere. They want people to approach them through networking. So, if a colleague of yours informs you about a vacancy that exactly suits your job profile and area of interest, don’t delay to call up the company. They won’t sue you if you are not the one they are looking for. There’s no harm trying it.
Alright. These were the basic things you need to do immediately after you lose your job. But what about the expenses? Remember that the inflow of funds is nil till you get a new job. Rework on your budget and cut down unnecessary expenses. You don’t really have to dine out every night or go shopping every weekend. You will run out of cash very soon if you do so and depression is inevitable then. Be wise and maintain your cash flow.
Being handed a pink slip is definitely depressing but you need to get going. No one, trust me on this, no one is going to approach you for help you don’t do something for yourself. It’s you who can make the difference in your life. Stay calm, be motivated, and keep fighting.
If you still feel what I said is useless, go back to your depression mode. But remember, you have bills to pay. Everyday, every month. The choice is yours.
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