Losing a job can be a challenging and stressful experience. No matter what your layoff looks like—whether you’ve worked for a company for ten months or ten years, whether you were notified by an impersonal email or with a compassionate sit-down conversation—it stings. For many of us, work is interwoven in our identities and how we contribute to the world, so when a company cuts us off, the questions that fill our heads aren’t just, “What will I do next?”
There’s a flood of complicated and heavy emotions to parse in the weeks that follow and it’s important to take the time to process them. But it’s also critical to take a few steps early on, ideally within the first 24 hours—because as time ticks, you’re distanced from the people, projects, and data that are invaluable in landing your next role. So you’ll want to do a few things to set yourself up to transition more quickly into an exciting new opportunity.
There are steps you can take to move forward and navigate this difficult situation. Here are some steps you can take after a job loss:
Take a deep breath and stay calm: Losing a job can be a shock to the system, and it's important to take a moment to process your emotions and gather your thoughts before taking any action.
Assess your finances: Take a look at your current financial situation and figure out how much money you have saved, how much you owe, and what your expenses are. This will give you a better idea of how long you can go without a job and what your budget will need to look like.
Loan Restructuring: Almost all banks in the UAE will help you work out a better repayment plan for your credit card outstanding. Approach them asap and explain the situation and ask for a restructuring. Interest rates on card payments will be reduced.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Take some time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent work experience and accomplishments. This will make it easier for potential employers to find and evaluate your qualifications.
Start your job search: Begin your job search by looking for job openings online, reaching out to your network, and attending job fairs and networking events. Consider working with a recruiter or career coach to help you refine your job search strategy and identify potential opportunities.
Consider further education or training: If you're having trouble finding a job in your field, consider further education or training to expand your skill set and make yourself more marketable.
Take care of yourself: Losing a job can be a stressful and emotional experience, so it's important to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and stay connected with friends and family. Remember that job loss is a common experience, and you are not alone in this.