So you’ve just lost your job and you’re crying on the bus home at 4pm on a Monday with no sense of direction and no idea what to do next. Dry those tears darling because you’ve come to the right webpage! Here’s what to do next.
1. Allow yourself a night to freak out
You didn’t see this coming. This morning you woke up with financial security and the comforting safety of a routine, now you’re feeling lost and probably confused as to what’s gone wrong. Call your friends, call your mum, have a cry (and a glass of wine if you need it). Don’t make any rash decisions and don’t contact anyone at your work today. Tonight it is important to remember that this is not a reflection of who you are and to congratulate yourself for following the advice of the great Anna Wintour who once said to a group of students: ‘I recommend that you all get fired.’
2. Speak to HR
If you have any questions or concerns about your dismissal, speak to your HR department the following day. Write down the questions you want answered before speaking with them and make sure to take notes throughout the conversation. Remember it’s quite common to put down your HR manager as a reference and they will often not mention to potential employers the nature of your departure from the company.
3. Was it fair?
Check that your dismissal was fair. In the UK, your dismissal will be classed as unfair if you have been fired for an ‘automatically unfair’ reason such as pregnancy or discrimination. Get help from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau if you have any concerns regarding this and an advisor will help you with the next steps.
4. See the silver lining
When one door closes, another one opens. Use this opportunity to assess your career goals and figure out what you want and where your strengths truly lie. If you feel like it’s time for a change, use this time to seek out and research new industries; speak with friends about their jobs and their ambitions for inspiration. If you have the means to it can sometimes help to get away for a few days; go visit your parents or stay with a friend in another city to get some perspective.
1. Make a plan
Now the hard bit; take a look at your financial situation and make an informed decision regarding your money. If you have savings, work out how long you can live on these without an income. Make any necessary cutbacks; if you are renting you may be able to get out of your tenancy by replacing yourself (use SpareRoom and Facebook to advertise your room for free). Most gym memberships can now be paused with immediate effect. Your new job is applying for jobs; try to get into a Monday-Friday routine whilst still allowing yourself your down time at the weekends.
2. Stay sane
Being unemployed is a tough state to be in and can cause great anxiety, but remember that things will work out and it is how we respond in times of strife that truly helps us grow and become better people.
There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.
– Malcolm X
