14 Ways To Deal With Being Laid Off

In a perpetually fluctuating economy; at a time when even the biggest corporations are not immune from going broke; in an environment where every Manager-CEO is forced to downsize in order to keep up with the incessant need to cut costs, employees being laid off in big numbers is becoming everyday news.

For some of us, 'You're fired', is more than just Donald Trump's pet peeve. It is a reality we already have or will have to face. Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first job as a news anchor, and was 'devastated when that happened'.

So does your life end the day you are laid off? Is it the worst thing that can ever happen to anyone? Does it signal an end to your dreams and ambitions? Should you start bracing for a life of misery and unfulfilled goals??

None of the above! Here is how to start turning being laid off into the best thing that's ever happened to you.

1) Don't overreact ?

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The news can come as a shock, even if you were expecting it. The moment when you are told "Your job has been restructured”, “Your position has been eliminated due to the recent budget cuts”, or something cryptic like that, can be an overwhelming experience. The last thing you want to do is something that triggers the company to hire a security guard for all future layoffs.?

2) Calm down

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It will most likely be a stressful experience when you hear those words, or read them on a pink slip. So the first thing you want to do is calm down. Take deep breaths, go for a walk, do whatever works for you.

3) Never beg or plead?

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Once you have calmed yourself down, get rid of any urge to beg your employer to reconsider. The relationship has been impaired the moment they let you go, and you are far more worthy than taking on a beggar – yes, beggar – position. This isn’t about pride, it’s about truth. You can do much better. Move on.

4) Don't burn those bridges

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No matter how unfair the situation feels, make sure you say your goodbyes with dignity, and respect. The relationships you have made could come in handy later on in life. Blaming people and bosses will not fix the problem, so don't do it. At least not around people from work.?

5) Take some time off

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How to make sure you don't go back home and get into the sulk mode? Get out. Even if only for a day or two, get outdoors. Go for a hike, a rafting trip, a weekend road trip, a cycling expedition. Get up and close with nature, and get out of your head. Feel the life flowing through your body. ?

6) Take stock of your finances?

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Alright now, sit down and assess how your finances are doing. How long can you survive without regular income? Try limiting your expenses from now on in order to give yourself as long as you possibly can.

7) Define your passion and purpose?

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This is the one reason being fired could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Caught in the incessant demands of life we usually forget what we truly want, what makes us happy. Use this opportunity to write down what makes you tick, and what your goals are in life. ?

8) Surround yourself with positive people?

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This is something we all should be doing anyway, but it is critically important during this time in your life. Considering brand new career paths, or a drastic change of any sort will require that you stay positive. After being fired, Oprah Winfrey took it upon her to surround herself with positive and successful people. Today, she is a symbol of success herself.?

9) Explore possibilities and try them out if possible?

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Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor. After that he started a number of businesses that did not last too long and ended with bankruptcy and failure. He kept plugging along however, and eventually found a recipe for success that worked. ?

10) Map out an action plan?

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Once you have narrowed down on what you want to do next, make a list of steps that will get you to your goals.?

11) Put yourself back out there?

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Get out those old contacts. Let people know you are back on the market.?

12) Sustain momentum?

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Remember, things might take some time to get back to normal, and that is okay. Stick with it, sustain the positive momentum and good things will come!?

13) Be proactive, accept responsibilities?

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14) Do it with enthusiasm?

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The simplest secret to having a fulfilling and rewarding career is to do your work with enthusiasm. When you bring passion and energy to the table, you will always be considered a valuable asset. ?