Surviving a layoff. Job loss is one of the most stressful life events. You need to have a good plan of action in place to recover and get going in the job market. Practical strategies will help you handle the lay off and compete effectively for a new job.

Don't panic

Panic following a lay off is dangerous. Do not lose sight of these two facts - you are a skilled person and you will work again.
surviving a layoff

Adapt to what has happened and turn your energies to finding a solution.

The way in which you look at the job loss will make all the difference in surviving a layoff. Avoid getting into a spiral of negative thought. Anger and fear are the usual emotions experienced after a job loss. Both these are destructive emotions that prevent you from thinking clearly about your future.

Deal with your anger and fear

You need to deal with these emotions and move on so that you can be relaxed and confident in an interview situation. Here are some practical guidelines for handling the emotional challenges in surviving a layoff.

Acknowledge your feelings - it is absolutely normal to experience fear, anxiety and depression after losing your job. Don't pretend that you are fine, acknowledge what you are going through otherwise you will not be able to deal with it.

Write it all down - put down on paper how you feel. What would you like to have said to the company but didn't? What upset you about the way you were laid off? What thoughts keep going through your head? What would you like to tell your family but feel unable to? Empty all your negative emotions into your writing and get it out of your system. Do it as many times as necessary. You can even write a letter to the company and then burn it. This can have a very cathartic effect.

Make a list of all the positive things you recognize about yourself - this is a good way to build your self-esteem and feel more positive. Ask for letters of recommendation from colleagues and managers. These serve two purposes in surviving a layoff- to boost your confidence and to help you in your job search.

List the positive outcomes of this experience - what good has come from this layoff? What have you learned? Finding value in the experience moves you from been a victim to a survivor. Practice telling yourself and others "It was very hard but I'm glad it happened because ...."

Engage in stress reducing activities - yoga, jogging, walking or whatever is the most relaxing. Key to surviving a layoff is to get involved in activities that help you reduce your anxiety and prepare for renewal.

http://www.best-job-interview.com/surviving-a-layoff.html