What to do if you lose your job

It’s devastating to hear that you’ve lost your job and no doubt, you’ll be angry, miserable and anxious at having been “let go”. Perhaps the warning signs were there for a while, but you never really believe unemployment could happen to you. 

Here are some pointers to help you cope with the transition of retrenchment.

  1. Ensure that you understand the reasons why you lost your job: Was it due to non-performance? Was it because your employer is downsizing? Is it because your skills are no longer relevant? Understanding the reason is the first step to coping with your situation as there are many causes of unemployment. 

  2. Was the dismissal fair? If you feel it was not, seek legal advice. You could perhaps consult with your Union or the CCMA in South Africa. 

  3. Conduct yourself professionally, but don't bottle up your emotions. It is important to talk about how you're feeling, perhaps with a family member, close friend or counsellor. 

  4. To relieve some of the financial pressure, apply for unemployment benefits and cut down on your monthly expenses . 

  5. Time to learn more skills? Sometimes, it takes something as drastic as this to steer us into a more meaningful direction. 

  6. Ask your creditors for a temporary payment break to assist you whilst you look for new employment. Some financial institutions will agree to suspend capital reductions on term products and allow you to pay “interest only” for a while.

  7. Update your CV and stay connected: rely on the networks you’ve built up over the years. 

  8. Keep a daily routine and keep active: get up and get dressed as if you’re going to work. Spend your day networking and job hunting. 

  9. Consider taking on a part time / temporary position as an interim measure. This may be the ideal time to learn new skills. And try to focus on the positive aspects of your life.