Whether your new status of unemployment was planned or not, it can be a lot to handle and very unsettling. Rest assured that although it might be difficult to navigate, you’re not alone. At some point or another, almost everyone finds themselves without a job. It’s not the end of the world, and you will get through it! Here’s what to do when you’re newly unemployed.
Take a minute
The first thing to do when you’re newly unemployed is to take a minute and process it. Whether or not the unemployment was planned, you will likely feel a lot of different emotions, so it’s important to take some time to process it all.
If you find that you’re burnt out from your last role, give yourself a bit of time to relax. Depending on your financial situation and how much financial stability you have, it might be worth it to take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. This could be a couple days, or a couple weeks depending on your situation, but regardless of how long it is, taking some time to focus on yourself will help you mentally and physically as you step into the job search.
Look over your finances and determine a game plan
When you’re newly unemployed, it’s important to look at the big picture to figure out the best way to move forward based on your unique situation. Do you have a nest egg saved up, or do you need to start working immediately?
Go over your monthly expenses and determine how much you have, and how long you can live off of it without being hugely detrimental to your financial stability. There are a lot of great finance apps to help you outline your expenses, or you can do it on your own, but the important part is that you are aware of exactly what you have and what you need to continue to live comfortably.
Once you determine your financial situation, you can figure out what the best option for your situation is. Do you need to find work as soon as possible, or can you take some time to rejuvenate, figure things out, and find the perfect job for you?
If you need to work ASAP, go to a temp agency
New research shows that the temporary employment industry employs more Americans than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the temporary help services industry now employs around 2.8 million Americans per week, an all-time high. While there seems to be a negative connotation with the words “temporary” and “contract,” these positions can open many doors for you. Contract and/or temporary work can help you in four main ways:
- It will give you current work to put on your resume
- It gives you immediate income while you’re searching for a long term position
- It lets you network with industry professionals
- It gives you the opportunity to show off your capabilities
If you excel at your temporary position, chances are that you will meet people who can a) point you in the right direction, b) know of a job that may interest you, or c) will work with you to keep you at the company but progress to an area that best suits your qualifications.
There is truly no downside to temporary work. When you’re newly unemployed, temporary work gives you the opportunity to explore various options and networking opportunities.
If you don’t need to start working immediately, take some time to figure out your next career move
If you have the luxury of time, use it to figure out what you want next, and strategically plan your next career move. Take a look at your transferable skills, figure out what jobs you’re qualified for, and do some soul searching to figure out what kind of job is really right for you. Whether or not unemployment was your choice, this is your opportunity to take the time and plan your next career move so that you’re excited about it. Take control of the situation and make your next move worth it so you don’t find yourself in a similar situation again.
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There’s no way around it. Unemployment is scary, but it can actually be really beneficial if you’re strategic about it. Trying to figure out what to do when you’re newly unemployed? Take some time to process it, give yourself time to relax, and determine your next steps so you can further develop your career strategically in a way that will make you happy.