What To Do If You Think That You May Be Fired
If you are getting the sense that you may get a pink slip soon, here are some things to start doing immediately:
- Make a financial plan. Consider the realities of what will happen. Will you have enough money to support your lifestyle? How much emergency savings do you have? How long will it last? Will you need to consider applying for unemployment benefits? When you figure out what you will need when you don’t have this check coming in every week, then create a plan about how to support yourself during a period of unemployment. Most financial experts suggest not to raid your retirement account to support yourself during these periods.
- Start your search at least part-time. Dedicate at least 15 hours a week to do the necessary job search tasks to obtain a new position. Make sure that you are doing these tasks outside of your designated work time. You don’t want to give your employer cause to fire you — this can effect you ability to get unemployment if you need it.
- Make sure that you are giving everything to your current job. If you are being “excessed” due to funds, you want to be able to leave with a good reference in hand and perhaps if you can show your value, you may be kept.
- Get to Networking Events. Start making networking part of your social activities.
- Keep a Positive Attitude. As a much as possible, try to see this as an opportunity to take inventory and consider better options for your career. In addition, you are more likely to be helped and support in your transition if you have a positive attitude. You are likely to have negative feelings — find a career counselor to share those thoughts with and help you process the potential loss of your job.
