Being let go sucks and takes a toll on your mental psyche.  Being the only one let go and have the company calling it a layoff is worse.  (Can they even call it that?)  Having three days notice before your last day is not much time either.

What to do now?

First things first, apply and file for unemployment benefits.  After all, I did contribute to it in my years service with the company.

Mental Approach

With unemployment benefits squared away, lets take a look at approaching this mentally.

Sure my mental psyche has been attacked and I feel vulnerable.  No job and limited savings with a mortgage.  How long will I last?  Also, severance, bonuses and commission payouts were a bit of a joke.  But income is income.  No time to dwell on these negative aspects.

This can’t all be bad right?  In retrospect, at least I had a job through the worst of our supposed “Great Recession” period.  I knew the day was coming.  Based on slow activity at work but since the economy was gradually whipping itself back into shape felt safe.

I was wrong.  Taking a positive and optimistic view, I was lucky enough to not have been laid off last year.  2009 was bad.  Markets were low, unemployment was high.

At least now, after the first quarter of 2010, it appears companies are hiring again.  And before accepting just another job again, I have an opportunity to set some goals and reach them.

Making every day count.  Treat looking for a job, the job.

Finding My Path

I did not enjoy my last job much.  It allowed me freedom in time management but it was not challenging.  At least now, I can figure it all out.  Collect unemployment and treat this as an extended vacation on a strict budget.  ***SARCASM***

Finding the right path, goal and head in that direction.  How does one do that?

I spoke to friends, family and mentors and here are some insights and advice they offered.

• Plan, chart and set goals on your next job or career choice.  Figuring out your goals and wants in a company, location, benefits, etc. will help determine exactly your desires.
• Treat looking for a job as a job; have a set schedule and no sleeping in.  It is too easy to just sit back and become a couch potato and fall into depression.  Stay confident and give yourself purpose.
• Get out there and network.  Make yourself available and meet people.  Your next job opportunity is most likely through networking or through a friend.
• Read books and learn something new.  Perhaps a second or third foreign language.  Become an expert on a certain subject, particularly after figuring out your goals.
• Have tunnel vision.  There will be many distractions but having tunnel vision and focusing on one goal will be the best solution.
• Get involved in the community.  Perhaps there are skills your able to offer that a church, non-profit organization or association can use.
• Staying healthy.  Exercise and staying fit will keep you sane mentally.  Staying mentally strong will help you focus.

Beginning That New Chapter

I am thankful for the support and advice I have received. A job should not be personal and being laid off is not the end.  Think of it as an opportunity and time to work on everyone’s favorite project, themselves.  One chapter may have ended but the novel isn’t quite over.

I strongly suggest you read through the list of bullet points if your in the same situation as I am.  The list by no means covers everything, but it does cover the essentials.

As time wears on, it’ll be interesting and quite an experience.  It will be the beginning of a new chapter.

Feel free to add any other helpful advice in the comments section.