What to Do When You Lose Your Job

It was the moment every worker fears. I was called into my boss’ office and his face was wrinkled in worry. Oh god, what did I do wrong?

“Erica, this isn’t easy for me to say and I’m so sorry to tell you this. It’s nothing you did personally but…”

I floated into a dreamlike sequence as I realized this was “The Talk.” After six months as the assistant web editor for CountryLiving.com, I was now unemployed.

Hearst Digital underwent some restructuring in early 2011, and a host of people were let go—everyone from social media experts to assistants to copy editors. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was not expecting to lose a job so early in my career. This was literally my first real job.

Journalism is a rocky road, particularly during this difficult transition period as publishers shift their focus from print to web and budgets tighten. College prepares you for nabbing your first job, but what happens when you lose that job? Professors never talk about that. So what do you do next in this situation? Well, first my editor took me out for a bottle of wine. Then you get your life in order.

Here are my four main tips you can follow if you lose a job:

1. Write it down. First thing I did was to write down everything about my job. Daily responsibilities, completed projects, programs I used, problem solving. You don’t want to forget any skills or accomplishments. This is helpful for updating your resume, writing cover letters, and interviewing. I still look at this paper when applying for jobs.

2. Get right back up again. My last day was a Friday and by Monday morning I searched the job boards and applied to openings. Give yourself a day or two to accept the layoff, but don’t wallow in self-pity for long. Time is valuable when you’re job hunting.

3. Tap into your connections. I e-mailed everyone I knew in the industry—friends, colleagues, people I networked—explaining my situation. Everyone I reached out to could relate on some level and were generous at passing along any job leads or offering advice.

4. Have a financial nest egg. This is crucial, especially if you live in New York City like I did at the time. You may not qualify for unemployment depending on the circumstances. If you do qualify, unemployment can take awhile to kick in. It is essential you have some funds to fall back on so you can still pay rent and eat. Knowing you have a little cushion will prevent panic. Because panic can lead to desperation, like taking a job at Starbucks and not dedicating your days to job hunting.

The Aftermath: A few days into unemployment, my former CountryLiving.com editor—a wonderful and smart woman whom I greatly admire—sent me a lead about a freelance web editor opening at ElleDecor.com. She put in an excellent word for me, I had a quick phone interview with Elle, and a week after I lost my job I gained a new one.

I admit I was extremely lucky. However, it proves hard work pays off.