The economy is currently in a very fragile state. With so many businesses closed down or operating on a skeleton crew, business is far from usual. If you are one of the millions who have found themselves without a job, you may be wondering what to do next. Thankfully, most people are resilient even when times are tough. We have some suggestions that can help you find your way through tough economic times even after you have lost your job.
Don’t Give Up Hope
It is very important not to become depressed or despondent after losing your job. It can be tempting to wallow in self-pity, but at the end of the day, tears won’t pay the bills. Start by getting a letter of recommendation from your past employer if possible. If your departure was less than amicable, at least make sure that you have plenty of alternative references to fall back on.
Brush Up Your Resume
No matter what line of work you are in, an up to date and well-crafted resume can work wonders on the job market. If you have an old resume, now is the time to update it with the new experience, contacts, references, and other pertinent details. For those who don’t have a resume, it is the perfect time to create one to give yourself a leg up on the competition.
Look For Alternatives
Sometimes there may not be any openings in your field of expertise. If that is the case, consider alternatives. Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs in new fields, or adjacent fields to your previous line of work. Often, getting fired or laid off is the perfect opportunity to turn a hobby into a lucrative business. Do you like to paint or perhaps craft home goods? Are you a great cook with a flair for creating new dishes? Maybe you have wanted to get into graphic design but simply never had the time. Now is a great time to explore other options to earn a paycheck.
Stay Connected
No matter what path you take, stay connected to others in your field, or even at your old job. Several professional social media sites such as LinkedIn can help you stay abreast of changes or advances in your line of work. Many of these same resources often list job postings or consultation offers that you can consider.