THE LIFELINE GAME PLAN

What to do after a job loss?

Lifeline provides tools and hope for those faced with the loss of employment.  Being out of a job affects everybody in your family.  It can shatter your self-esteem especially when others around you have good jobs.  Some people are hit harder than others because they have much of their identity in their job and job title.  Many who are unemployed state they experience unprecedented financial pressure, loss of self-esteem, and family strain.  So…..what am I to do first?

Pray

Ask God to guide you and provide not only a new job, but to provide for your family’s needs.

Stay Positive

Depression is your enemy.  Remind yourself you are good at what you do and this will come to an end.

Apply for Unemployment

Do this step as quickly as possible, you have earned it since your previous employer paid the state on your behalf.

Update Your Resume

Have someone who knows how to write a professional one assist you.  They know what your potential next employer is looking for.  They can even prepare you for the type of interview questions you may be asked.

Review the Family Budget

Reduce any expense you can.  Negotiate with your creditors to make monthly payments you can afford.  If your children are old enough to understand, alert them that things will be a little different and that this is a time for the family to pull together.  Children can actually learn the difference between a want and a need.  

Tell Others You Are Out of a Job

Networking is the number 1 way people find a job.  Someone knows someone who knows someone who has a job opening.  Your friends, relatives, past employers and business associates are great contacts.  Make a list of people who might have job leads.

Set a Goal to Make a Certain Number of Calls Each Week

You want to stay busy.  You want to know, and you want your family to know, you are doing everything you can to find another job.  

Get out of the House

Use any free time that you have when you are not looking for a job to reconnect with your kids and spouse or to do something you didn’t have time to do before.  Relax.  Keep stress as far from you as possible.

Finally, remember God will sustain you until you find the job He has for you!