Just got laid off. Unsure what all I need to do to prep for the next step

In My Humble Opinion
21

Some good advice on here. I’ll add my thoughts:

Re: networking, I agree about getting a LinkedIn site but honestly, I think LinkedIn is a little overrated. Do set up a profile with some basic information about where you’ve worked and what you’ve done. Doesn’t have to be quite as detailed as your resume but include some highlights. But do not rely on LinkeIn or doing online searches only; it’s better to use the internet for seeing what jobs and positions are available to you, to survey the market, and apply for jobs you’re interested in. You do your best networking in person, face-to-face. Truth is, networking needs to start BEFORE you get let go. I’m not lecturing, but I say that just to put this in your head once you get hired again - and don’t worry, you will.

Don’t turn your nose up at temping or doing part-time work. If you can’t find your dream job right away, seriously consider temping - even if it’s not 100% related to your job. Either temp through an agency, or if you happen to have large employers in your areas like universities or government agencies or contractors, they might also temp directly through their own HRs. I’ve always believed it’s better to be in the workplace than to be out of it, even if it’s not glamorous work.

22

My husband has ridden this merry-go-round more than once (the IT field sucks right now, btw).

  1. Apply for unemployment before you do anything else. It takes a couple of weeks for the paperwork to kick in, so the sooner you file, the better off you’ll be.
  2. Apply for the ACA as others have already stated.
  3. Network like crazy.
  4. My husband is getting additional training through Unemployment where the state is paying him to take a couple of specialized courses to up his chances for re-employment. He had to petition the board for it because they’re courses normally not paid for. He’s the only student, so it’s basically a specialized tutorial. The bonus is that with any kind of sanctioned training/re-training, your unemployment can be extended. Can’t hurt to look, especially if you need to brush up on some skills or acquire new ones for a different field.
  5. Try not to freak out or take your frustration out on others. It’s ugy, it makes everybody walk on eggshells, and it does not good for anyone’s mental health.