“I lost my job due to COVID-19 shutdowns.”

It’s a common refrain.

Job loss is frightening – and it’s happening everywhere. I’m hearing stories from people who were first furloughed but have now found that they are permanently laid off. Others have survived the first shock wave but now are finding their job ending as part of continued cuts. It’s scary – but there are some practical steps you can take to make it through this very difficult time. You’ll sleep better if you have a plan.

Often, when the shock of a layoff hits, it’s hard to know what next steps you should take. Here’s a roadmap.

 1. First things first. Do what you can to immediately reduce your cost of living. The hard truth is the job market is going to be tough and it may take some time before you’re back to earning some dollars.

Stop all unnecessary spending. Give up your favorite coffee shop and brew your own at home. Learn how to cook pasta and make great bean burritos. Check your monthly bills to see what you can possibly reduce.

 Take a hard, scary look at your finances and create a budget or make a plan to get through the next six months.

 2. Check out all options for unemployment or other financial assistance. This is not the time to be too proud to ask for help. There are a lot of people in the same boat. Check out government programs. Talk to your HR department to see what benefits you might qualify for.

Many utility companies, credit card companies, and others are offering options to reduce your payments or put them on hold for a brief period. It’s worth checking out. Talk to your bank or your landlord to see if you can pause your payments or reduce them for a brief time. Don’t be afraid to ask. Be polite but persistent. If necessary, locate your local food bank or emergency assistance programs for things like electric bills.

3. Focus 70% of your usual work-hours on job searching and networking.  Update your resume (here are some tips) and polish up your LinkedIn profile. Create a networking plan to let friends, colleagues and pretty much everyone know that you’re looking for a job. Check out jobs on Indeed and GlassDoor but remember that the best jobs, and the most jobs, are found by networking.

4. Take advantage of your downtime to update your skills. The internet is littered with free classes and content that can make you better at what you do. There's never been a better time to take advantage of these resources. Check out free classes at Coursera and Udemy. If you’re not sure what to take, update your Microsoft Office skills and become proficient in Excel or Publisher. All Microsoft Office skills look great on a resume.

5. Finally, brainstorm alternative ways to generate income. Sell unneeded possessions on eBay or Craigslist, start an Etsy business, or offer your services on Fiver. A few hundred dollars each month can extend your runway. If you can, rent out a room in your house. Find a part-time job that will help out for a few months.

 It’s important to take time to grieve your lost job and, emotionally, it’s comforting to just settle in on the sofa and binge watch Netflix. But asking the hard questions, using your time strategically and thinking outside the box can help you come out of this ahead.

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love.   Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!