“We will have to let you go.”
This is one line that none of us want to hear. However, with the surge in COVID cases across the country, this has been the fate of many. Over 44 million Americans who have filed for unemployment since mid-March 2020 have heard this as the COVID-19 pandemic started escalating.
When a major and unexpected life change hits us, it may feel like the end of the world. This might be the rock bottom that none of us ever want to touch. However, what if I tell you that this is not the end? What if I tell you that we can always reclaim our career, sense of dignity and come out of it stronger than ever before? Yes, it can happen and it’s no rocket science!
All we need is a little strategy and focus and some wise steps that you need to take to stay afloat and prepare for the unprecedented time.
So here is a list of a few things you need to do if you’ve recently lost your job.
1. File for Unemployment
Obviously this is a no-brainer. Claiming Unemployment benefits is the first thing you should do, if you’ve been laid off because of the coronavirus.
With your previous knowledge of unemployment benefits guidelines, you might think your circumstances won’t qualify you for them, but here’s good news: The Department of Labor announced new and flexible guidelines for states to offer unemployment insurance to workers impacted by COVID-19.
For instance, many states may now pay benefits in various situations if:
- an employer is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
- an employee is quarantined but intends to return to work.
- an employee has left work temporarily due to risk of infection or to care for a family member.
Also, as you must be aware, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package President Donald Trump signed into law on March 27, also includes unemployment benefits. It provides a $600 per week federal payout on top of state benefits through July 31, includes part-time employees, freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers, and folks who are self-employed in the benefits program, and waives some work history requirements that would normally make you ineligible among a few other conditions.
So get ready to file for the benefits only and keep these information handy:
- Social Security number
- Home address and mailing address (if different)
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Your bank name, address, account number, and routing number for direct deposit. If you don’t have an account for direct deposit, you’ll be first issued a Debit Card.
- Most recent employer’s name, address, and phone number
- First and last day worked with this employer
- Reason for leaving
- Severance package or pension information (if you have either or both)
Generally, you should receive your first deposit within two or three weeks of filing the claim, but you should be prepared for a few weeks’ delays due to the increase in claims being filed at the moment across the country.
2. Manage Your Current Expenses
First thing first, after you’ve applied for the claim and wait for your benefits to begin, you should contact your service providers. All of them. From landlords to mortgage companies to utilities, and tell them about your condition. If you’ve been laid off or had your hours reduced or whatever your situation is.
There are Hardship programs available for mortgage customers. A lot of landlords are letting go of the rents. But you wouldn’t know if you wouldn’t communicate.
While these cut in expenses will definitely offer a bit of relief, it’s still a wise step to cut down your other expenses during these times of financial uncertainty. For example, you can cancel your non-essential bills like the music or magazine subscription boxes or cancel the gym membership or any other services that aren’t crucial at the moment so that you can save money and don’t have to worry about important and essential items, like groceries or medicines.
3. Contact Everyone. Yes, EVERYONE
Of course, you’re now looking out for job postings and applying every possible where. But while you’re at it, here’s a smart way to do it: Put together a list of contacts in your network who’re easily accessible. This can include any previous colleague, boss, school alumni, friends or any possible networking connections you’ve worked with or met in an office party or any guest lecturer in your school. Create this list and send each of them an email asking to have a virtual meeting over a coffee or is possible, a phone call.
Interestingly, over 85% jobs are not even posted online. So use your network to help you during this time. That is why networking is preached after all. Also remember that with everyone in quarantine, this is possibly the perfect time to network. People have more free time and are available than always, and there’s a higher probability that they will say yes to your networking invitation.
But keep in mind that before your virtual meetings, it’s important to be clear with others about the skill set you bring to the table and the roles you’re most inclined towards.
4. Take Care!
Not everyone will tell you this but here’s something you need to hear: THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
A job loss is as much of an emotional pressure as it is physical. When you’re living your best life with a job and not much worries about paying your rent or bills, it’s easy to take care of yourself. But when things get rough, it’s easier to get dip into comfort food, cuddle up on the couch and ignore the world. However, remember you need to take care of yourself to be able to be up and about again. Create a routine in your life that encourages wellness.
In a world of green smoothies, multivitamin supplements and protein shakes, it’s almost inevitable to forget the basics!
But ask yourself: Have you had enough rest? Are you drinking enough water? Are your meals nutritious? And most important: Are you taking care of your mind and body as you should?