Laid Off? Don’t Do This…

Finance, Home & Family, People
on June 6, 2011
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Dave Ramsey is a money-management expert, national radio personality and best-selling author.

Being laid off is often one of life's great traumas. Frequently people who have been laid off or fired experience the same stages as those who are divorcing or in the early stages of a terminal illness: anger, resentment, denial, feeling betrayed and hopelessness.

Here are some quick "don'ts" if this is your situation:

  • Don't make major personal decisions. Don't sell your house, and try to move in with your in-laws.
     
  • Don't rest on your severance. More and more I’m seeing companies surprisingly generous in the severance packages they are giving. Use this time as a springboard to move forward. Don't use this as an excuse to hide out and ignore the transition required.
     
  • Don't wallow in the bad news about layoffs. No matter what's happening in the economy, companies are looking for great people. Be prepared to "sell" your benefit to them.
     
  • Don't hide out in the house. Yes, it's easy to catch up on all those little things that need to be done. But it's also easy to use these as an excuse for an inactive job search.
     
  • Don't assume you have to change careers. I find many people who assume their previous industry or profession is the only one changing. All industries and professions are changing dramatically. You may find your best opportunity comes with a subtle change within your own field.