The 3 Things You Should Do First If You Lose Your Job
So you’ve been let go. But before you go crazy, take a deep breath. Because this article is not just another positive piece. This is real talk about the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job.
You’re Not Alone
Whether it was a layoff, termination, or your boss finally discovering you’ve been secretly working two remote jobs at once losing a job sucks.
But here’s the secret. Everyone panics! But the smart ones prioritize. So let’s talk about strategy. The 3 things you should do first if you lose your job are not about vibes and vision boards. They’re practical, logical.
1. Stop the Financial Waste
I'm talking about Audit Your Money Like a Boss! Yep, the first of the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job is all about money. Because even if your soul feels like it’s been run over, your bills don’t care.
Check how much cash you have. Then cut unnecessary expenses and pause subscriptions. File for unemployment benefits if applicable. Contact your bank about deferred payments or hardship plans.
BTW If you have savings, set a 3-month emergency plan. If not, don’t feel guilty. Just pivot. Quickly.
2. Update Your Resume
Do it! But Not Like You’re Still in 2012.
Yes, it’s annoying & also you can’t skip this. The second of the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job is to make your resume hotter than your last office crush.
To do that use action verbs. Quantify achievements by adding like Increased sales by 35%. Then tailor your resume to your next job, not your last one. Add freelance gigs, certifications, even volunteer work.
Also update LinkedIn. Like, today. And don’t be afraid to post honestly. Some of the best job leads come from a vulnerable post!
3. Reconnect Before You Reapply
You might think applying to 200 jobs on day one is the way to go. It’s not. The third of the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job is to reach out to people, not just HR robots.
Because most good jobs come from referrals. Your old colleagues probably know openings before they’re listed. I believe that coffee chats beat cold resumes, every single time. You can just send messages like “Hey! I just transitioned out of my last role and am exploring new opportunities in [industry]. Let me know if you hear of anything that might be a good fit!”
No shame. No begging. Just honest networking. This step is a game-changer. Among the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job, this one turns you from unemployed to strategically in between roles.
Just 3 Things?
Yes. But these are not just any steps. These are the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job because they build your foundation fast. Create cover letters, interview prep, existential crises too.
Things You Shouldn’t Do First If You Lose Your Job
- Don’t post a 10-minute rant on Facebook tagging your ex-boss.
- Don’t buy a course called Crypto Rich in 24 Hours.
- Don’t binge-watch The Office as research.
- Don’t apply to 97 jobs using one generic resume.
- Because the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job are all about clarity, not chaos.
Final Checklist
Let’s recap the 3 things you should do first if you lose your job one more time, for the people in the back, audit your finances, Save money, plan expenses, apply for benefits.
Then update your resume & LinkedIn, make it modern, targeted, and honest. Lastly, reconnect with people. Use your network like the valuable tool it is.
These three actions will give you control, momentum, and hope.
Copywriting Expert