Losing a job hurts, especially when you weren’t prepared. I was recently let go from my position at a marketing agency, and I’ve spent the last month working toward getting back into the workforce. 

While this is a little “off-theme” from my usual writing posts, it’s relevant because: 

• It happened to me and is a significant pivot in my writing career. 
• I’ve learned a lot along the way and want to share that knowledge with anyone else experiencing it. 
• It ultimately led to the creation of Heide Writes, so without the lay-off, this website either may never have happened (or wouldn’t have happened for a long, long time). 

1. BREATHE. It’s going to be okay. Make yourself a cup of tea (or mushroom coffee), clear off your workspace, and begin.
2. Apply for unemployment and any relevant benefits you may need: this is the first thing to do (after, and well, during the breathing part), as it can take several weeks for things to be approved. Explore the resources you may need to consider in addition to unemployment, especially if you have dependents. 
3. Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, website, etc. This includes updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect that you are currently open for work and potentially sharing the type of work you are looking for with your network. I’m not an expert, but I’ve been putting a lot of work into my LinkedIn profile and my writing portfolio and have made new connections and potential job leads since! In my experience, it often comes down to who you know, not what you know. 
4. Increase your knowledge and skillset: give your resume a quick boost (and learn more!) by taking free online courses or paying for ones with certificates. LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and EdX are fantastic resources. 
5. Ask for references: I began collecting references on my LinkedIn profile and made a quick list of whom I could contact if a job specifically requested one. Space the requests out over time, and be sure to ask people whom you worked closely enough with to offer input and whom you trust to be able to write a decent letter. 
6. Volunteer: one of my favorite things I’ve been able to do since being laid off is volunteer a little. It’s nothing huge, but a few hours a week from the comfort of my own home, helping local nonprofit organizations with copywriting and social media. I found these opportunities via a simple LinkedIn post, but VolunteerMatch and Point App are great resources!
7. Work on that to-do list: Does anyone else have a never-ending, ongoing, running to–do list? I have actually been able to knock quite a few items off — like creating this website, a marketing plan for my forthcoming children’s book, the actual children’s book itself, creating a life binder, and more. 
8. Reconsider your options: now is a good time to look at your career and reevaluate where you want to go. I truly liked my job, but taking a break means I can reevaluate my needs, what best benefits my family, and where I want to go with my career. Ultimately, I want to write, whether freelance, as a published author (fingers crossed), for an organization with a mission I’m passionate about, or something in between; I’m confident that I’m heading in the right direction. 
9. Give yourself a break: Catch up on a hobby (or start a new one), read a book, take a day off. This can be a stressful time, so take care of yourself.
10. Obviously, apply for jobs: Put your shiny new resume, profile, references, and spirit to work applying for jobs! 

Are you still employed but think a layoff is coming soon? Add these steps: 

1. Have emergency savings: This is a general life rule, but it is especially important in uncertain times. Aim for 3-6 months of your living expenses—but really, anything is better than nothing, so get saving! 
2. Get ahead on payments: I like to always be a few months ahead on my payments, so I have a little breathing room in case something happens (such as getting laid off). This can be as easy as paying $50 extra each month or breaking your payment into two and adding $25-75 for each payment. 
3. Start early with the above steps: You can take courses, update your resume, build a website, and even ask for references while still employed. 
4. Set job alerts for dream organizations you want to work with: you never know when the right opportunity will come along, so be prepared to jump on a job opening at a dream organization of yours! 

If you’ve experienced a lay-off and have advice, share it in the comments!