I CAN HAZ JERB?
Like millions of other people in the United States of America, I’ve been laid off from my cushy job. There is no magic cure for what might be the Great Depression part II. And it seems like every day brings news of more layoffs, and even more articles about what to do in the meanwhile. Here’s my list of 7 lame things that you either have to do, or should do if you get laid off.
1. Make Doctor Appointments
If you have employer-based insurance, take advantage of it. Cram in as many doctor appointments as you can before your insurance is cut off. Trust me, COBRA is expensive and you have to prepare for the possibility that you may not find a job in the next six months.
2. Make a Financial Plan
Once you have your severence pay figured out, assess all of your debt. If you can pay off your debt with your severence package, then do so. It’s better than defaulting on credit cards later on down the line. If you have student loans, defer payments immediately. If you have an automatic savings account, halt the payments. Try the best you can to bring your monthly payments to zero. If youare living in an expensive apartment, consider downsizing or taking on an extra roommate. Personal experience: there is someone out there will even rent out your couch. If you have a mortgage, same thing. Try to rent out as much space as you can because, obviously, you can’t sell the damned thing. And don’t forget to apply for Unemployment benefits. You paid for you, now collect on it.
3. Accept the Truth and Move On
It’s hard to think that you won’t be going back to the place that you’ve practically lived at for many years. Take some time to sort things out with your friends, family and partner. Then make plans for your next move. I’ll probably end up taking a class, writing on this blog, updating up my resume and portfolio, etc.
4. Get Drunk, Get Laid, Get into a Fight
Ok maybe not get into a fight, but do I need to explain why? You need to release some stress. Not all of us do it in productive ways. That is the beauty of being American.
5. Be Productive
As much as you want to stay on the couch, unbathed, in your bathrobe, you should get out and do something. Working out at the gym is a great time killer with the added benefit of giving you the “runner’s high.” Hanging out at the local library is a free way to kill some time and catch up on your guilty reading pleasures. Plus, most libraries rent out DVDs, so that’ll save you some cash.
6. Take a Vacation
If you can afford it, you should take a vacation. There is nothing that you need more at this time, and it’s a great way to revitalize your spirit and get you thinking about your next step. For the youngsters out there that have no debt, I would give up my apartment and take off to a warmer, cheaper location. You can live cheaply in a third-world country like Guatemala or Cambodia. If you have to move back in with your parents anyway, why not?
7. Go Back to School/Learn a New SKill
The best part about going back to school is that you can take out student loans–that is if the government is cutting checks. And this way you’ll be able to have an advantage when the job market gets better.
Tags: 2008, Bush's Failure, Financial Crisis, Layoffs, Meltdown
as Blackalicious said… “a 40 oz. for breakfast!”
-fireside
RE #4:
Getting drunk, then laid, and finishing off with a fight = a great time out.
Hey Chenda,
Excellent list! Looks like I did almost everything right–except get into a fight. I took a really horrible temp job, and was just about ready to jump off the bridge when I stumbled across something that was just right. I took a big salary hit, but I like being a geek, so it’s OK. Looks like you landed on your feet. Good for you!