F*CKKKKK, I just got FIRED (7 Tips to Help You Move Forward)
As a career coach, I’ve had dozens of overwrought people pop into my FB chat or the contact form on my website, with a TL;DR of “F*CKKKKK, I just got FIRED.”
And I’m so fucking sorry that happened to you.
I’ve been there, friend. In the summer of 2009 (with the world still reeling from the economic shitshow of 2008) I was working at a call center selling DirecTV and Verizon products — and one day, upper management rolled in and let us know we had all been laid off.
I wasn’t exactly surprised, because supervisors had been talking about not making sales goals. But I *still* felt like I had been sucker punched, and I was an 18-year-old without a car or home payment, and no kids.
Getting fired feels like getting dumped, only worse. You can always go on a Tinder//coffee shop dating spree, but there’s something about getting let go that attacks your self-esteem, and that SUCKS.
Below, you’ll find the beginnings of a guide on what to do when you get laid off or fired.
- Self-Care FTW
Being let go can really take a toll on your mental health and self-worth. Take some time, right now, to write down a list of 10 things you like about yourself. Also, create a daily schedule for the amount of time you’ll spend looking for a new job (ex: 10AM-1PM: “Job hunting”), along with getting out of the house.
It’s also okay to cry and be bummed. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings and be ticked off/angry/grieve/etc. You are a badass, and you will bounce back from this.
2. Tell People
While this may seem exactly what you DON’T want to do, post on FB and let folks know you got let go. Share a link to your LinkedIn, and ask folks to send job postings for the specific industry/job type you’re interested in. Something like 80% of jobs are filled because the candidate “knows a guy” so work that network! Be sure to make the post public so your friends can tag their friends.
3. Cover Your Bases
If you get healthcare through your employer, figure out out your last day of coverage and get as many meds refilled as you can. Don’t put off that dental appointment any longer — cavities can turn into expensive root canals!
4. Get Specific
Now is a great time to sit and take stock on your life. Are you interested in getting another degree? Want to switch industries? You have a bit of extra time on your hands, so head to Barnes & Noble or the local library to check out books on topics that interest you. You can spend the whole day reading (or download a few audio books!) at your library, updating your skillset.
5. Post Your Resume on Monster
SO. It costs around $500 to post a job on Monster or LinkedIn, which can get pretty expensive. Monster offers a subscription service to hiring managers, where they can search through resumes online, for way less cash. Upload your resume to Monster, and see what happens. Sometimes, my clients get a million emails about selling insurance but no bites, and other clients have gotten full-time offers by posting to Monster. It’s free, so what have you got to lose?
6. Check out Craigslist or Indeed
While posting a job to Monster costs a few Benjamins, posting a job to Craigslist only costs a few bucks — so lots of companies will post there *first.* Never give out personal info on CL (bank account info, SSN, etc) and follow the CL safety guide!
7. Update Your LinkedIn Headline
The LinkedIn headline is autopopulated with your job title, but it can be edited. Edit it to make it clear you’re looking for a new position. Ex: “Currently seeking a full-time position as a [Job title] in [Geographic Area].”
It’s gonna be okay, friend. I’m rooting for you. ❤
Ready to hire additional help? I offer 40% off to clients who have been newly laid off (Resume for $60), and more info can be found here.
