You've Been Laid Off Now What?

by Michelle Wright
Has this happened to you - recently? You wake up, you commute to work, you enter the building but there is something that is just not right today. Maybe your boss cannot look you in the eye or the HR department has relocated to your section/department or there are security guards stationed on your floor instead of the front desk and to top it off you cannot log onto your computer. You just know that there is just something not right. Then you are tapped on the shoulder and told �come and sit down, we would like to talk to you and bring your belongings with you.� By now I�m sure your mind is spinning with a thousand questions and what ifs, your sense of hearing is fading because all voices sound far away and your heart is racing. And with a few well rehearsed sentences you are laid off. So now what do you do?

First take a deep breath and have some tissues on hand to dry your tears or mop your brow. By now, your hearing and breathing has returned to normal but your sense of security is no longer there. Your body has made its adjustments but your mind is a sea of questions and emotions. So now what do you do?

Try to focus on the here and now and pay close attention to any and all details about your separation of employment. This is your best opportunity to ask and understand the reason for separation, when is your last day, when will you receive your last paycheck, what about your pension/401K, a letter of reference, medical benefits, and if there is a severance package. It is important to get as many answers while you have their attention, if there is no HR representative or, in some cases, union representative present - then ask to speak to one via the phone or get the contact names and numbers of the person who handles payroll and benefits (depends on size & structure of the company). This is your opportunity to take control of the situation; to make future plans based on your severance package or lack thereof. Now what?

Now the deal is done and you are on your way back home before lunch time. Your conversations from this morning are still replaying over and over in your head; you are probably experiencing some form of shock or fear. This is normal but let your current state motivate you to know your rights. Next visit your state�s Department of Labor via the internet or in person to obtain information about claiming unemployment benefits and employment rules & laws. It is important to understannderstand the unemployment claim process especially if you have a severance package. Plug in with an unemployment survivor guide. Start networking - get linkedin.

You have made it. Rest up for a minute but be sure to get your job search strategy going ASAP. After all, generally speaking, it can take the upwards of 2 months to reenter the workplace. In a tight economy, such as this, it could take even longer. So the best remedy it get started sooner than later. So exhale and get going on the road to your next job.