Suddenly unemployed? Learn how to take control of your finances, job search, and well-being with expert advice. Plus, discover top employment influencers who can guide you through the transition and help you land your next opportunity.
What To Do If You Suddenly Find Yourself Out of a Job: Top Priorities for Moving Forward
Losing a job unexpectedly can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about what comes next. While this is a challenging moment, taking proactive steps can help you regain control and set yourself up for success in your next opportunity. Here are the top priorities you should consider if you suddenly find yourself unemployed.
1. Take a Moment to Process
Losing a job can be an emotional experience. Allow yourself time to process your feelings. Reach out to trusted friends or family members for support. Avoid making rushed decisions while you are in an emotional state. Taking even a day or two to clear your mind will help you move forward with a focused plan.
2. Assess Your Financial Situation and Create a Budget
One of the first things you should do is assess your financial status. Understand your savings, expenses, and any emergency funds you may have. Prioritize essential bills such as rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and groceries. Look for ways to cut unnecessary costs and create a budget that reflects your new financial reality. If you have outstanding debts, contact creditors to explore deferment options if needed.
3. Apply for Unemployment Benefits and Other Assistance
In the U.S., if you’ve been laid off, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Visit your state’s unemployment office website to apply. These benefits can provide a financial cushion while you search for new opportunities. Additionally, check if you qualify for government assistance programs such as food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, or rental assistance to help ease financial burdens.
4. Secure Health Insurance Coverage
If your health insurance was provided by your employer, look into your options for continued coverage. You may be eligible for COBRA benefits, which allow you to temporarily keep your employer-sponsored plan at a higher cost. Alternatively, explore healthcare marketplace plans on Healthcare.gov or consider adding yourself to a spouse’s plan if applicable.
5. Update Your Resume, LinkedIn Profile, and Professional Branding
Now is the time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Highlight your most recent accomplishments and be ready to tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Consider reaching out to a career coach or using online resources to ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). If you don’t have an updated portfolio or website, now is a great time to create one.
6. Leverage Your Network for Job Opportunities
Don’t underestimate the power of your network. Let your professional contacts know you’re looking for new opportunities. Attend virtual networking events, join industry-specific groups, and connect with former colleagues. Many job opportunities come through referrals and personal connections. Don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews or referrals.
7. Upskill and Stay Active
Use this time to invest in your professional development. Consider online courses to learn new skills or update existing ones. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable or free courses to help you stay competitive in the job market. Volunteering in your field or taking on freelance projects can also help you stay engaged while job searching.
8. Stay Positive, Establish a Routine, and Set Goals
Job hunting can be a long process, especially after sudden unemployment. Keep a positive mindset, stay persistent, and remember that rejection is part of the journey. Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, learning, and self-care. Set daily and weekly goals to keep yourself motivated and on track.
9. Consider Temporary, Gig, or Freelance Work
Freelance or temporary jobs can help bridge the gap while you search for a new role. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities to use your skills on a project basis. Temp agencies can also provide short-term employment that keeps income flowing. Even part-time work can help ease financial strain and prevent large employment gaps on your resume.
10. Reflect on Your Career Goals and Explore New Paths
Use this time to reflect on your career goals. Do you want to pivot to a new industry? Are you interested in developing new skills? Consider alternative career paths, entrepreneurship, or further education. Research industries that are hiring and explore how your skills can be transferable. If you’ve been unhappy in your previous job, now is the time to consider what kind of work will bring you satisfaction and stability.
11. Engage with Employment Influencers and Job-Seeking Communities
Social media is a valuable resource for job seekers. Follow employment influencers who offer advice on job hunting, networking, and personal branding especially if you are unfamiliar with this area. Engage in job-seeking communities like LinkedIn groups or forums dedicated to career transitions. Their insights can provide motivation, strategies, and even job leads.
12. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Well-Being
Job loss is stressful and can take a toll on mental health. Make time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation to avoid burnout. Maintain a balanced diet and get enough sleep. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression, seek professional help or talk to a support group. Prioritizing self-care will help you stay resilient during your job search.
Top Ten Employment Social Media Influencers and Experts in 2025
Here are ten top employment influencers who provide valuable advice for job seekers. These influencers offer a wealth of knowledge and resources to assist job seekers in navigating their career paths after unexpected unemployment. Note these individuals offer a range of resources for free on their websites but may also charge fees for professional services. These influencers on not rank ordered.
- Laura M. Labovich
- Description: Laura is a national job search expert, author, and speaker with extensive experience in career coaching. She co-authored “100 Conversations for Career Success” and offers practical advice to help individuals navigate the job market effectively.
- Website: thecareerstrategygroup.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: The Career Strategy Group
- LinkedIn: Laura M. Labovich
- Twitter: @LauraLabovich
- Hanna Goefft
- Description: Known as “Hanna Gets Hired,” she offers career advice focusing on personal branding and job search strategies.
- Social Media Handles:
- Instagram: @hannagetshired
- LinkedIn: Hanna Goefft
- TikTok: @hannagetshired
- Jena Viviano Dunay
- Description: A career coach who helps professionals become irresistible hires and build their dream careers.
- Website: recruittheemployer.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: Jena.Viviano
- Instagram: @jenavdunay
- LinkedIn: JenaDunay
- YouTube: @Jena Viviano
- Jessica Sweet
- Description: Specializes in helping mid-career professionals find happiness and success in their careers.
- Website: wishingwellcoach.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: Wishingwell Career Coaching
- LinkedIn: Jessica Sweet Coach
- X (Twitter): @wishcareers
- Madeline Mann
- Description: An HR & Recruiting leader, Madeline shares job search tips and career advice. She turns “job seekers into job shoppers.”
- Website: madelinemann.com
- Social Media Handles:
- LinkedIn: Madeline Mann
- TikTok: @selfmademillennial
- YouTube: Self Made Millennial
- Mehar Sindhu Batra
- Description: Provides career guidance, focusing on job search strategies and professional development.
- Website: msbvision.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Instagram: @msbvision
- Facebook: msbvision
- LinkedIn: Mehar Sindhu Batra
- YouTube: Mehar Sindhu Batra
- Tessa White
- Description: Known as “The Job Doctor,” Tessa offers practical advice on navigating workplace challenges and advancing careers.
- Website: thejobdoctor.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Instagram: @jobdoctortessa
- LinkedIn: Tessa White
- TikTok: @jobdoctortessa
- X (twitter): @TessaJob36587
- Podcast: The Job Doctor Tessa White
- Tori Dunlap
- Description: Founder of “Her First $100K,” Tori provides financial and career advice to help women achieve financial independence.
- Website: herfirst100k.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: Her First $100K
- Instagram: @herfirst100k
- LinkedIn: Tori Dunlap
- TikTok: @herfirst100k
- Twitter: @herfirst100k
- Penelope Trunk
- Description: An entrepreneur and author, Penelope offers candid career advice and insights on navigating the modern workplace.
- Website: penelopetrunk.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: Penelope Trunk
- LinkedIn: Penelope Trunk
- Twitter: @penelopetrunk
- Leah Gervais
- Description: Founder of Urban 20 Something, Leah provides guidance on turning side hustles into full-time businesses.
- Website: urban20something.com
- Social Media Handles:
- Facebook: Urban 20 Something
- Instagram: @leahgervais_
- LinkedIn: Leah Gervais
- X (Twitter): GervaisLeDeux
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Losing a job is never easy, but it can be a chance to realign your career with your goals and aspirations. By taking intentional steps to manage your finances, leverage your network, and explore new opportunities, you can turn this challenge into a new beginning. Stay focused, stay proactive, and remember that each step forward brings you closer to your next great opportunity.
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