WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB

By Johnny Duncan

Due to a combination of a souring economy, rising fuel prices, and more supply than demand, layoffs are increasing. While Central Florida’s unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the nation, even hearing about one layoff in the area can be disconcerting. Whether you’re employed by one of the industries announcing layoffs or work for a company that has recently announced cuts, there are steps that you can take so that you don’t lose it altogether in the event you lose your job.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 230,000 Americans have lost their jobs so far this year. If you have lost your job or know that you are in line to go soon, the best advice is to go on the offensive. First, if still employed, stay focused at work. This can be a difficult task but one that will pay off when you are recognized as still a viable asset to the company.

Next, if you do lose your job, begin networking immediately. Tell your friends, family, neighbors, former employers, and blog buddies that you are in the market for a new job. If you are eligible, apply for unemployment insurance immediately. If you must, get a temporary job in order to get health insurance and keep the lights on, but still continue searching for the next great career opportunity.

Set up a goal-a-day system whereby you do something every day that gets you closer to finding that position. Work on your résumé, renew your contacts, and research potential employers. Volunteer when you can and join groups, organizations, or clubs to stay connected to people. It will make you feel better about your situation, thus creating clarity while building confidence.

Thirdly, get a handle on monthly expenses. Cut costs everywhere you can. If you have a feeling you’ll be laid off, make medical appointments and fill prescriptions now. You can maintain insurance, typically for up to 18 months, through the government-mandated Cobra plan, but the premiums will be substantially higher than you've been paying, so plan accordingly.

Finally, be aware that when someone loses their job, the psychological effects can be overwhelming. Eduardo Salas, Ph.D., Department of Psychology at UCF, explains some of the psychological effects of sudden unemployment include slight depression, guilt, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and loss of confidence. One of the best ways to relieve some of these symptoms is to begin to take action. “Goal setting is one strategy,” says Dr. Salas. “Set specific, achievable, and realistic goals in activities related to getting back to work.”

“Effective coping strategies are always helpful,” says Anna Filipski, LMHC Psychotherapist at Orlando Psychiatric Associates in Lake Nona. “These include a variety of methods such as utilizing support from family, friends, colleagues; exercise/physical activity; sharing feelings with a trusted individual or professional; volunteering; staying healthy with good eating habits plenty of rest; spend quality time with family, friends, pets.”

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Eligibility for benefits is determined in accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 443. The information concerning F.S. Chapter 443 can be accessed on the Internet at www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes . The total amount of available credits can range from a minimum of $850 to a maximum of $7150.

To qualify monetarily, a person must:

Have been paid wages in two or more calendar quarters in the base period;

Have total base period wages of at least 1-1/2 times the wages in the quarter having the highest earnings;

Have at least $3,400 total wages in the base period.

Claims for unemployment compensation benefits can be filed online at www.fluidnow.com or by calling toll free 1-800-204-2418.

Source: Florida’s Agency of Workforce Innovation