So, you’ve gotten laid off… Hopefully you’ve taken the steps I already outlined in my previous two posts about this topic. As the conclusion of this series, I’ll give  you all some advice on what to do after a layoff. 

1.  Get thee to the unemployment office.
   Many people feel ashamed of getting unemployment compensation. When you step into that office, you feel like a failure. Like somehow it was your fault for getting laid off. But the truth is, you are entitled to that compensation. It generally does not even come close to making up for your lost salary, but its atleast something. As soon as you get those walking papers from your employer, make a bee-line to the Unemployment Office and file your claim. It usually takes a week or two before you start getting compensated, so it would be in your best interested to file as soon as possible. For example, the last time I got laid off, I was able to file all my forms online, and never even had to go down to the unemployment office. Of course, I was lucky, and got offered a job before the payments started coming in, but it certainly was easy.
2. Keep in contact with your co-workers.
   If you are being escorted off the premises, this might be difficult to do, but if you are lucky you’ll have a chance to exchange good-byes with your co-workers. Make sure they know how to contact you. You would be suprised on how many job opportunities get passed on by former co-workers and friends.
3. Take a few days off before getting into the job search.
   If you are lucky enough to have received a severance package, take a few days off to recharge your batteries. This is a stressful time, and it will take a few days to adjust to your new situation. Yes, the mortage and car payments are due, but taking a day or two to reassess your situation will make things easier down the road. 
4. View your layoff as an opportunity.
   Think of your layoff as an opportunity to get a better, higher paying job. In today’s job market, you have to jump jobs in order to move up. Look at this as an opportunity to search for a job upgrade. Either pay wise or responsibility wise. If you are desperate for a paycheck, feel free to take a job to make ends meet, but continue your job search.
5. Don’t forget temp agencies.
   You’d be surprised by how many temp agencies there are for just about every field imaginable. Sometimes a very lucrative, fulfilling job can be found if you get your foot in the door with a temp agency. The majority of temp agencies get paid from contracts they get from employers, so you shouldn’t have to pay anyone to find  you a job.