Taking some time off to re-energize the batteries and re-acquaint yourself to your spouse and children after a 2009 layoff may be a good idea. Remember that the situation of unemployment affects everyone in the family, not just you. Children are very sensitive to the changes in the household and it is important to be open and honest with them. The support you gain from them will help you keep focused on your end goals.
Household Review
Now that the dust has settled, the goodbyes have been extended and the ceremonial exchange of e-mail address and cell phone numbers have been completed, it’s time to get down to business.
Family Time
Taking some time off to re-energize the batteries and re-acquaint yourself to your spouse and children may be a good idea. Remember that the situation of unemployment affects everyone in the family, not just you. Children are very sensitive to the changes in the household and it is important to be open and honest with them. The support you gain from them will help you keep focused on your end goals.
Since you are no longer out the door every morning, it may be a chance to take your child to school or see them in sports events that were always held during your normal work day.
Financial
If you are like many people, you have not saved much for a rainy day like today. If you have a month or two of salary in the bank, you are probably better off than most in your position. It is time to survey your personal/family balance sheet to identify your financial position.
Just like your previous company, you now need to list the current monthly expenses to see what can be cut from “The Budget”. If you have not done this exercise in awhile or at all, the data will be much more meaningful now that the income line (steady paycheck) is severed.
Income Streams – Your ability to survive financially will partially depend upon the amount of income you will have access to during the job search process. Accounting for severance, savings and unemployment compensation, knowing the overall amount of money coming in will be paramount to your sustainability.
Of course, if you are married, your spouse’s income may provide much needed financial support and health benefits during this time.
Expenses – No more morning $4.00 lattes and $10.00 lunches at the Deli… Eliminating the waste and trimming the fat is where you will have the most control over your financial position. Listing the monthly bills; mortgage, utilities, food and other essential expenditures will help map out the discretionary spending that may be able to be reduced or totally removed.
Self Evaluation
Now that you have a clear mind, know where you stand financially and have the support of family and friends, it is time to “Go Deep”. Have an open mind, clear thought, take a deep breath and look at yourself from the ground up.
Many find being let go from a job can be a time of reflection, a re-evaluation period to determine if the path you were traveling is still the one you want to continue on. Depending on your situation, you may elect to look at other industries, job descriptions or organizations that may interest you. The skills and talents you posses may be applicable and marketable in other sectors or industries that you may or may not have thought of before.
If you have an interest that has been hobby or side interest, you may elect to expand into that area. It is widely known that if you can earn a living doing what you love, you are truly a successful person. What better way to make a living, whether it be starting a business or landing a job that deals in that interest or area.
Take a look at the pros and cons of your previous role, the responsibilities you had and categorize them into what you enjoyed, and what you tolerated because it was part of the job. Search for the characteristics that define your likes and dislikes and list them out as a way to keep you focused on new opportunities that drive you in the direction you want to move toward.
Obviously, it is a personal decision whether or not the job you had is the type of job you want. Even though many people do not take the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone to toward their dream, but those that do, see their job loss as a launchpad for a new happier life direction they may not have taken if not for the downsizing they experienced.
Surviving alayoff in 2009 is not easy but, in this day and age, you do have a technology and tools to help you get back to work if you stay focused and organized.
Author: Oliver Stewart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com