How to Reduce Stress During a Job Layoff

A good rule of thumb for coping with stress is to take time to develop a plan of action. You can manage any situation with good strategy. Spend time each day reviewing ways to cope financially. But, dedicate at least five hours each day to finding employment. If you expect to eventually return to your old job, create a plan to earn money or create cash during the interim.

Things You'll Need

• Planning notebook
• Resume
• Computer
• Internet access
• Job websites
• Home office space
• Database of phone contacts

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Instructions

• 1

  Write down your long-term goals. If you need a full-time job and a part-time job, write this into your planning notebook. List short-term goals to support each long-term goal. Carefully note the number of employers you wish to contact, their phone numbers and how much time each day you will spend on making the calls or emailing resumes. Break all overwhelming goals into smaller goals that are reasonable to attain in six to eight hours each day.

• 2

  Fine-tune your basic resume for each job. Emphasize specific skills you have that fit the job's requirements. Type one sentence in boldface to describe yourself at the top of each version of your resume. This sentence will stand out in your potential interviewers' minds.

• 3

  Work on your job search like it's your full-time job. Get up, get dressed and go into your home office to think, research and apply for jobs online. Work from an organized list of contacts or calls to initiate. Never work in a random fashion.

• 4

  Stay objective. Review your planning notebook and your resume once a week. Figure out what's working and what is not. Ask friends to offer input and opinions.

• 5

  Give creditors full information about your job layoff. Don't run or hide from bill collectors. However, don't allow bill collectors to call your home at all hours or interrupt your job search. Tell them to contact you by mail, or tell them you will call them once each week. Never allow bill collectors to ruin your family life. Raise cash early in your dilemma by selling a car or boat you don't need.