By Dixie 
It happens. You walk in the boss’ office for your monthly one on one meeting and Beverly the Human Resources Director is there waiting. You notice she is not her usual bubbly self, and she isn’t looking you in the eye. You hear the words “its just not working out” or “your position is being eliminated” or “we lost funding for your department”. Your head is spinning as they hand you some paperwork and walk you back to your office.
You begin packing several years worth of photos, award certificates, and random coffee mugs into a single cardboard box. Beverly walks with you to the front entrance and closes the door behind you.
You sit down in your car and all you can think is…what do I do now??
ONE: Mourn. It’s OK. Take some time and feel your feelings about all of this. Do primal screams, punch pillows, cry, whine and write nasty letters that you will never (never) send. Throw those coffee cups against an outside wall. This job and your co-workers were a big part of your life for however long you were there and it’s normal to grieve.
Two caveats:
If you need to talk, complain to a friend or spouse who you trust completely not to tell others. Do not, no never (never) do this complaining to any of your former co-workers or clients, vendors, etc. Stay off social media.
Put a short time limit on this pity party. Make it two to three days so it doesn’t become a lifestyle. And yes, you will probably still be depressed and angry but your ultimate goal is to get the big feelings out and start moving forward in a positive direction.
TWO: Assess your financial situation. Grab your checkbook, a pen, calculator and some paper. Use your checkbook as a resource regarding what bills you have to pay each month such as mortgage, electricity, car payment, insurance, Internet access, cable, phone. Write the amounts down on the left side of the page. Add in other cost items like food, gasoline, outstanding student loans, entertainment, club membership dues, clothing, prescription drugs, other bills.
Remember to add in monthly costs for health insurance. Your former employer likely offered you COBRA coverage or you may opt to go on your spouses insurance or purchase individual insurance through a local health agent or Healthcare.gov. COBRA, by the way, is usually pretty expensive unless you have some major medical conditions going on. Take a gander at this post re how to buy health insurance BTW:
http://www.stuffiwishihadknown.com/2015/09/27/you-covered-govment-says-you-gotta-get-health-insurance/
After figuring out what your bill situation is, look at how much you have in checking right now. Write that number down on the right side of the page. If you have any savings, investment income, stocks or 401K money, or any other income source, write those down as well. If there is any severance pay from your old company, write that down as well.
Keep in mind that you may be eligible for unemployment which will provide income for a few weeks based on part of your previous earnings. Contact your local unemployment office to see if you qualify.
Tally up current monthly cash assets: severance, current checking account balance, and any other income. (In looking at your assets, keep stocks/bonds, 401K as a last resort to pull money from because of tax liability. Keep those completely off your radar unless an absolute emergency.) Compare your cash assets to your monthly bills. If there is a shortfall this month, that is your first area of focus. If not, look at what you will need versus what you have over the next six months, which is usually how long it takes to find a similar job in a mid level career. That is your next area of focus. Look at your savings accounts first to fill in the gaps.
If there is a shortfall in looking at bills versus assets over the next six months, take a look at expenses. Are there items that are ‘nice to have’ versus ‘must haves”? Circle them as a possible area to cut. Think about any other ways to bring in some cash such as in small loans from family members, short term consulting or odd job opportunities, or sales of unwanted items (think big ticket items like that treadmill in your bedroom that doubles as the world’s most expensive clothes hanger). Do not run up credit card bills! That will add a monumental level of stress to an already stressful situation.
Finally, recalculate all assets and bills using areas of opportunity to either cut costs or add income short term. If you absolutely cannot reconcile your bills with your assets for six months, look at how long you do have and plan your job search accordingly.
Three: Consider your new full time job to be finding a job. Make a list of business contacts and start letting them know you are available for work. Use a simple explanation regarding why you are not working and what you are looking for such as “I am no longer with ABC Company and am looking for opportunities in the ____ field. Would you keep me in mind should you hear of any openings in my area? Do you know anyone else I should be in touch with?”
For more info on finding a job check out this post:
http://www.stuffiwishihadknown.com/2015/08/12/clean-up-show-off-show-up-how-to-get-an-interview/#more-33
Lastly, focus on the future, not the past. A lot of people have been through that same meeting with the boss and Human Resources and that sad cardboard box. Just keep reminding yourself that better days are ahead. And you can always get new coffee cups.