File unemployment
You want to file for unemployment as soon as possible if you lose your job. Unemployment provides you with money weekly while you’re looking for your next job opportunity. The unemployment benefits will not be as much as you made at your job, but it should be enough to help you pay for necessities.
Cut unnecessary spending
The next thing you should do is cut your unnecessary spending. It may be hard, but you have to look at your budget and figure out what is a necessity and what isn’t. If you have cable or an expensive gym membership they have to go until you get another job again. If you are a person who drinks Starbucks every morning you have to eliminate that from your routine for the time being. Using your money for necessities should be the only thing on your mind right now.
Think about your options
A day or two after you lose your job you should think about your options. You should write out a list of companies that you want to apply for. You should decide if you want to work in the same career or if you want to switch it up. Something else that you should consider getting a part-time job until you get another full-time position. Remember, the part-time job is only temporary. You are only working part-time to bring some money coming in.
Network
Networking with your friends and family is very important when you’re looking for another job. They may be able to help you find another opportunity sooner than later. Your network is very important. My network has helped me secure a couple of jobs in the past. Besides family and friends you can also reach out to former coworkers, church members and former classmates. If you have a LinkedIn account you should also network on there.
Apply for jobs
The next step is to apply for new jobs. When I was unemployed last year I applied to at least 10 jobs every day Monday – Friday. Some days the number was closer to 20. You have to get those applications out there to those employers. Your goal should be to get another job as soon as possible. You don’t want to be unemployed for too long. If you haven’t had to look for a job in a while a few websites that you should check out are Monster, Indeed and Craigslist. I’m sure you will see some jobs that you qualify for on those sites.
Stay Focused
The last and most important thing that you can do is to stay focused. It can be a struggle when you don’t have a job. In 2014, I was unemployed for 3 months. At times, I felt depressed and wondered if I would ever get an interview. I never gave up. I worked 2 part-time jobs for 7 months until I found my current full-time job. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Stay focused.
Jason Butler
Jason Butler is an Atlanta native, as well as businessman, blogger and teacher. Not only is Jason a prolific flipper, marketer, writer and side hustler his number of years in higher education and student support have given him expert knowledge in understanding the economics of the student loan industry.
Very helpful, Jason. I just want to point out that a person receiving unemployment benefits may qualify for all kinds of re-training classes through the Dept of Labor. I took advantage of this several times.