Laid Off or Terminated--Now What?

Volunteering is Key

You just got the news that you are laid off or terminated. Now what? First thing to do is take care of your mental health. Many people are losing jobs. As hard as it is to accept you lost your job, do not take it personally. There are a lot of people in your shoes. Some people have even lost a few jobs due to the economy lay offs and terminations. A lot depends on what type of work you are in.

Your county Workforce Development Center will be a huge help to you. They list job openings, help you with your resume if needed, offer computer software programs (to earn a certificate) used in the workplace such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., and depending on your situation you may qualify for money for a free two year college degree. If you decide to go the two year college degree route, you must choose a job that the state feels will be productive job wise and money wise.

Examples:
1) Registered Nurse is a great degree to go to school for. The R.N. health field job is constantly growing and needs good nurses as well as it pays very well.

2) The veterinarian technician does not qualify for free schooling. The state feels a vet tech does not make enough money to support the person and/or their family.

Once your resume is updated after you were laid off or terminated, get out and volunteer. You will be helping others and you will learn how much more you get back by doing so. You can volunteer in a nursing home doing a variety of activities. Just call a nursing home and ask for the activities director. He or she can let you know what fun activities you may help the staff with. Or you may just want to go in and visit with the elderly. Some people never get visitors and you would be making a phenomenal difference in someone’s life.

You could volunteer at an animal shelter. Many shelters need someone to come in and walk the dogs, pet and play with the animals and/or clean the cages. Have fun while helping make animals lives better.

If you choose to volunteer, you may add this extra amenity to your resume. Your qualifications equal with another person’s resume could mean you get the job if volunteering is adding to your resume.

If you have been laid off or terminated, please visit: http://www.preparednessmentor.com/