Employment Preparedness

Few changes can be as sudden or dramatic as a personal change in economic circumstances. Losing a job, a change in the family, a company failure or the death of your industry can bring a dramatic change in your circumstances including  your opportunities and prospects for a secure financial future. A natural reaction is panic and anxiety which can actually reduce the chances we have for a good outcome. Other common reactions include anger, betrayal and loss of identity. Rather than making rash decisions or "freezing up" and making no decisions at all, this is a great time to look at real opportunities such as changing our work to something we enjoy, or simply taking a new road and perhaps escape a mental and emotional rut we might be in.
What can you do to survive and prosper? This is the question  on the minds of millions of people world wide today.  What are some options? How can you make change without wrecking your life? What next?
If your situation has changed you need to develop a new strategy. Maybe you have been accustomed to getting up, going to your office or other place of work and now that your job situation has changed you feel lost and anxious. First get a new perspective. Your life  and your employment are two different things (What?) You are what you eat, but your not who you work for. Whether you lose your job or not you are still the same professional person. You still like and dislike the same things. You have the same interests. You should have much bigger goals and interests than just getting up and going to work every day. Many people tie their worth to their employer and employers often play to this by telling you that you are special. Often these claims are really a way to give you a perceived benefit. You work extra hard because you believe you have a life long asset and you are special. Reality is that who you are is what makes you special, not who you work for. How many jerks have jobs? Plenty, does this make them good people or special? No. Do you need them hanging around making your life miserable because they are employed? No. Who you are and what you do for work may be closely combined and that is good. Rather than regretting the past, when it becomes clear that it's time to move on then look for new opportunities in life.
 Explore your options.
Rather than giving up or lying around drowning in self pity this is a good time to get busy making your future something new and perhaps better. Losing your job in a failing company is usually a unmistakable sign that it's time to move on.  It's better to just move on and find a new future rather than to despair over the past. Perhaps you made a mistake at work or office politics did you in. Do you really want to work somewhere that you face these problems every day? Why stay where there are big problems? Perhaps you feel that you should have been able to manage the situation.  Perhaps the issue at work is a change in the companies structure and your job was cut. This might be a candidate for looking within the company for new employment or you may have been fired, what can you learn from the experience that will help you later? It is time to examine our options.

Apply for unemployment benefits, this will help you get by
You may qualify for other financial aid through social services.
Make looking for a new job, a full time commitment!  (yes, 40 hours a week!)
Consider working for a temp service to get new business contacts.
Don't ignore other job offers or opportunities. Could you find a part time job, if your unemployment benefits are non existent, that allows you to continue looking while providing some income.
Are there services you can provide in the community that others would be willing to pay for? House cleaning, mowing, consulting and so on? Don't be afraid to work a little, it will be good for your health. Mental, emotional and physical.
Network with others, friends, neighbors and others who may be able to help you get a foot into the door at another place of employment.
If your company structure has changed. Look for other positions in your company, perhaps part time or freelance work that you would enjoy, but only if the company as a whole isn't failing. You don't want to keep tying yourself to a sinking ship.
If you start a business for yourself be sure that you have skills to market and get clients. Have the needed equipment and don't spend lavishly until you are making plenty of money. Start on a shoestring, and have part time work on the side, this will help you stay in business.
You have the option of continuing your health coverage for a time with COBRA.
You also have other options that can help your financial health. The economy relies not only on production to produce income, it also is built on spending. Spending can be cut in  ways to relieve the pain of changing circumstances. Consider the steps you can take to lower your spending and protect yourself.
Change Your Spending, Prioritize Your Debts
Some tough choices may have to be made if you are over extended financially. There are some practical steps that can help if you are financially in trouble.
Prioritize your debts. Pay for the things you need, a home, transportation, and phone,  not cable!
Create a budget that spends only what you have if possible.
Take any job temporarily in a emergency for cash. watch for help wanted signs check online sites and the local paper.
Consider a room mate to share expenses. Work together as a family for income.
Look for a job within easy commute or walking distance if transportation is a problem.
Don't eat out or if you do, eat inexpensively for a treat.
Shop for bargains, using coupons and ads (many stores such as wal-mart will honor their competitors ads, get weekly sales papers and use them to get a better deal on the items you need. Just present the ads at checkout.)
Don't spend money frivolously to make yourself feel better. There are plenty of things to do, go for a walk, get a hobby
Use a calling card or cell phone with free long distance for long distance calls.
Make good use of email.
Pay bills online.
Combine trips to save on transportation.
Buy food in bulk and cook at home. Eat great food for less. Avoid buying food at convenience stores. Pack a lunch.
Take a deep breath, enjoy life and consider the possibilities.