What to do when you are laid off: A guide to help and advice
Having a steady job means we can pay the daily bills, which is why suddenly being laid off can cause major stress. But sadly, it can happen to anyone, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re prepared for any eventuality. There are certain things you can do to get a head start should you find yourself facing this hurdle—read on for some helpful tips and advice.
What to do after being laid off
Getting laid off isn’t inevitable, but it is something that happens in the professional world, with 20 million average layoffs per year from 2001 to 2019. If it happens to you, remain calm and focused. There are a few key steps you can take straight away:
- Ask your HR department for a layoff letter that details its circumstances.
- Ask how long your insurance coverage will last.
- Check the details of your final paycheck and its remittance and assess your 401k’s rollover options.
- Determine whether you qualify for severance pay.
- Finally, research your state’s unemployment bureau and determine how and when to file.
Local help after being laid off
If you find you’ve been laid off, try to stay positive. You’re not alone, and taking advantage of available resources when you need them is exactly why they were set up in the first place. There are plenty of organizations out there dedicated to helping those experiencing employment challenges. We’ve listed some key resources here:
Local government programs
State governments offer unemployment benefits for those who qualify. What’s more, some local governments provide additional assistance for workers who have been laid off under specific circumstances, such as New York state’s Trade Adjustment Assistance.
Charities and non-profit organizations
Charities and non-profit organizations, like the Salvation Army and the National Able Network, help those facing both short- and long-term employment loss assess their skill sets, offering job training and educational programs, along with job placement assistance.
Church groups
Faith-based organizations, like the Franciscan Center, are another resource to explore for job training and opportunities. These groups are known for their ability to connect candidates with personal, local networks. If you’re facing the possibility of losing your home due to a layoff, church groups and charities could also offer assistance.
Local community groups
Check into your local community’s various organizations to find out whether there are job placement resources. Throughout the US, local rotary clubs, and state, city, and county governments may have additional available resources, such as job placement education and programs.
Community food banks
If you’re out of work, cutting down on your spending is key, and that includes groceries. Many communities offer local food banks that distribute groceries and meal items or packs on certain days, without requiring pre-registry or membership.
Setting up a fundraiser
Depending on your situation, a fundraiser could be a great way to bridge the gap between your next paycheck or cover longer term payments during your layoff. We’ll do a deeper dive into this below.
Finding part time work after being laid off
While you may have been used to your previous job and its structure, there are lots of alternatives to full-time work, especially in today’s globally connected economy. Plus, for some, the time it takes between finding a new full-time job and getting your first paycheck is simply too long. You have to track down and apply for positions, go through the process of being selected as a candidate, and then go through multiple interviews before they decide whether they’ll even hire you.
As you go through this process, you’re still unemployed and need income fast. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to supplement your unemployment through part-time work:
- Start by contacting temporary staffing agencies, which need pools of available workers.
- You can also explore fully remote positions listed on job seeking websites and applications, such as Indeed and Job Today.
- Connect with your local network to determine whether there might be available part-time positions within your community, such as babysitting or elder care.
- You can also offer your professional services on a contract basis or explore gig work like driving for a ride share company or doing food delivery.
Fundraising after a layoff
Another great way to access money during tricky financial circumstances is by creating your own fundraiser. Platforms like GoFundMe make it easy to share your personal story with friends, family and beyond on social media, and personal fundraisers have become a go-to these days when facing financial uncertainty.
Sharing the story of your unemployment and its impact on you, your family, and/or your group of coworkers has the power to inspire giving from your social network, while also reaching far beyond your pool. Be honest and speak from the heart, and you’ll see that those who know and love you will be more than willing to donate to help you out of your difficult situation.
Fundraising for medical bills
When you’re working full time, paying medical bills may be a non-issue. However, once you become unemployed, unpaid bills can quickly add up, making it harder for you to get back on track. If you’re dealing with costs for prescriptions or other treatments, you need to carry out paying work, that can make the difference between being able to find new work and get back on your feet, or not.
Medical crowdfunding can be a great way to secure the funds you need to cover these bills, and when you share your story openly and honestly, securing small donations is easy. Prioritizing your health ensures you’re ready and available whenever a new position comes up.
Fundraising for household bills
Like health and medical expenses, there are fixed costs for living which don’t disappear when we get laid off. Everyone understands having to cover household bills and rent expenses. Being able to calculate a total and share how your fundraising goal will meet your needs to cover expenses for a specific amount of time shows donors exactly where their money is going.
Ways to fundraise after being laid off
One of the top ways that people are reestablishing their financial security after a layoff is by tapping into the power of crowdfunding. Creating a fundraiser on crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe increases the size of your donor network and speeds up your financial recovery time.
Being able to combine the generosity of your friends, family and local community with the viral shareability that social media offers means you have all the right tools to be successful and receive the help you need in a timely manner. When you compare that with the weeks and months it can take to receive unemployment benefits, it’s no wonder so many are turning to crowdfunding as an easy and effective way to get themselves out of a tough situation.
Getting the support you need after a layoff
No one wants to get laid off. However, it’s something that many of us may have to face at some point. If you suddenly lose your job, don’t panic. Instead, get organized. Tap into government resources like unemployment benefits to mitigate missing income. When unemployment doesn’t cover your full living costs, use community or charitable resources to minimize your spending. Beyond that, taking the time to calculate your living expenses and craft a compelling fundraising campaign can be a resource that covers your needs quickly and efficiently, letting you pick yourself up and find new work without missing a beat.