Chances are that you would have been fired anyway given whatever circumstances you faced. Rather than trying to fend off the inevitable, and losing self-esteem every day, it is better either to be fired, or to resign and start in a new direction.
Losing a job is not a reason to grieve but to be thankful that you can channelize your energies and skills more fruitfully. Why do I say this? Because if you lost a job, it's plain common sense to understand that either the job was not for you or you were not made for either that job or for the job in that particular office which couldn't keep you. It's a loss to others and both a lesson and an opportunity to begin a new life.
Time to take stock of the situation
The first thing to do after losing a job is to look for alternative means of income. A part time job is good if it can keep the wheels running, while at the same time giving you enough spare time to consolidate, strategize, and move your career in the right direction. Things one should do after losing a job include:
- Look for immediate and alternative means of income. It is good if you get a full time job immediately, however, part-time jobs or freelancing work can also be great if you utilize the spare time to organize your career
- Don't get stressed if you don't find anything immediately. Getting stressed is natural and destructive. It is not going to help you on any front. It is human nature to sympathize with stressed people, but most people only help those who are visibly in control. If you look and act stressed, even you close confidantes will think twice before referring you for a job, for they may not want to put their own reputations at stake. You will find more helpful hands if you remain cheerful and unfazed despite the job loss.
- Indulge yourself a bit, and try to finish unfinished ventures or things you never had time to do. Doing what you like can relieve stress a lot, energize you, and help to put your thoughts in the correct perspective. Reducing your mental and physical activity, unless you find a job is a sure way of losing your abilities and being messed up.
- Don't join a blame game. Blame neither yourself nor others for the loss of your job. And don't blame the recession. This is extremely important, for people often make the mistake of negatively criticizing their past employers before others. You may be right in your assessments of your past employer, but socially, that would be seen as the attitude of a loser. You think and speak of what to do, not about what has happened.
- Don't miss the legalities. If you feel that you have been dealt with unfairly and have a legal cause of action, seek help from dedicated groups and well versed attorneys. Venting your wrath publicly will work against you. However, if you have an actionable claim, you should pursue it.
- Make an analysis of your strengths and weaknesses and draw up a list of tasks you need to do. Prioritize the tasks properly and set upon completing them. You are in charge of your world, and just nobody can take advantage of you unless you allow it. In the same you can't take advantage of your situation or abilities unless you decide to take the right steps in a focused manner.
