You have two degrees, speak three languages and have years of experience, but somehow you’ve just been let go. Layoffs and job loss are the norm nowadays -- even at the top -- and how you cope in the aftermath could shape your career for decades down the line.
Follow this advice, and getting fired might turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Click here to see the five-day plan >
This post originally appeared at Askmen.com.
DAY 1: Do Nothing
It’s important not to do anything today that you might later regret.
Try to resist the urge to bad-mouth your former boss or employer. Many employers who cut positions for budget reasons end up rehiring employees on a consulting, freelance or part-time basis, so don’t burn any bridges.
Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss," says: “If you lose your cool at the news of no longer being wanted, you might also lose your chance of getting the surprise phone call inviting you back for another spot. Be glad you took the news gracefully and with dignity -- even if it meant breaking something cheap and meaningless in private later. People will remember and be grateful that you participated in making a painful time for everyone just a little less painful.”
Psychologically speaking, today is the day you need to be good to yourself.
“There is nothing you can do the day after being laid off that can't wait until the next day or even the next week,” says Finney. “Stay in your pjs, if you can. Stay away from the phone and computer. And just give yourself permission not to worry for the day.
Give your subconscious the chance and time to calmly absorb the shock; you'll make smarter decisions later.”
DAY 2: Get Your Paperwork In Order
If you’re smart, you didn’t sign anything on the spot and can now negotiate a decent severance package in light of your job loss.
Steven M. Sack, an employment lawyer in New York City and author of "The Employee Rights Handbook," says: “Do not accept the company’s initial offer; stall for time. Remember that every firing is negotiable, provided you weren’t let go for stealing or punching someone. Maximize the severance package -- this could be the most important negotiation session of your life.”
Under US law, you get a period of time to consider the package, so rehearse the negotiation session, stressing the contribution you made to the company, and be clear about what you want (more compensation, extension of healthcare benefits, references, etc.).
While you’re at it, head down to the employment office and file a claim with your state unemployment insurance agency.
Benefits usually take three to four weeks to kick in and typically last a maximum of 26 weeks. You may not plan on being out of work for that long, but the extra cash could come in handy if you’re still searching a month from now.
DAY 3: Reassess Your Career Goals
You may not want to see things this way right now, but getting laid off may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you--if you take this time to rethink your career.
Now’s the time to think outside the box: Consider a change in lifestyle, moving city/country, setting up a business, or jump-starting a new venture.
Candice Reed, coauthor of "Thank You for Firing Me!: How to Catch the Next Wave of Success After You Lose Your Job," says: “Rejection and desperation might send you reeling toward the next miserable job situation after you are fired/downsized or let go, but there are important core questions you should ask yourself before you jump back into the water.
'What are you passionate about?' is probably the most important. This is the foundation question for being happy.”
You also need to think seriously about your career goals.
Are you determined to make as much money as possible or have a good work/life balance? “The more you know about yourself and career goals,” says Reed, “the more directed you will be, and the more directed you are, the easier it will be to find opportunities that fit.”
See the rest of the story at Business Insider