10 Tips to Help You Thrive After Being Laid Off

The loss of a job in these tumultuous economic times can be pretty scary. As of today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the number
of unemployed persons is 13.6 million. While being let go from your job can be scary it can also be an opportunity to reinvent yourself and motivate you to finally do what you’ve always wanted to do. Being laid off could be your golden opportunity to change your life for the better.

But how do you move past the feelings of devastation and take advantage of the situation?

Use these strategies to emotionally deal with your lay-off and thrive:

1. Avoid panic. Remind yourself that you’ve successfully made it through tough times before. Remember, too, that you’re not alone. Others are going through what you’re experiencing right now.

You can focus better and think more clearly when you consciously keep from giving in to panic. Practice deep breathing and meditating. Listen to music that calms you.

2. Catch your breath. Process what happened — the reason(s) you lost the job. Was it a lay-off, a company down-size, or based on your work performance? Gain an understanding of why it happened.

Allowing yourself time to think will help you move forward and leave regrets behind.