If you’ve been laid off, you have a few options, depending on the specifics of your separation from your previous employer. In some cases, you may be entitled to severance pay, unemployment benefits, and other benefits to assist you in your job search. In other cases, you may be without benefits or legal protections, and you will need to begin looking for work right away. In either case, you can help yourself out planning ahead; try to set aside some money each month in savings so that you have a safety net if you lose your job unexpectedly.
It’s critical to understand the differences between being laid off, fired, and quitting. If you are laid off, your employer fires you along with others because they no longer require your services or cannot afford to pay you. In this case, you are usually entitled to preferential hiring, which means you can reclaim your position if it becomes available later. Depending on your position, your company may be required to keep you on the benefits roll for a set period of time, and you may be offered severance pay for a few weeks or months. Most importantly, if you are laid off, you can file a claim with the government for unemployment compensation to receive financial aid.
If you are fired, it is because you are unsuitable for the position or because you have committed a serious act of negligence. In this situation, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits from the government, and your employer is not obligated to provide severance pay. If you were fired illegally and can prove it, you may be able to get your job back or sue your employer for damages. You have no safety net if you choose to quit, as a voluntary loss of employment is not grounds for compensation.
You should be aware of your benefits and severance pay rights. In the event that you are laid off, research your local laws and read your employee manual carefully to understand which benefits, if any, will be provided. These benefits may also differ depending on your position within the company; for example, an executive typically receives more benefits than a janitor. If you work in a unionized workplace, you should also check with your union, as a union representative can provide you with information about your rights.
In any case, if you lose your job, you’ll almost certainly need a new one. If you are fortunate enough to be able to collect compensation as a result of being laid off, don’t waste time; begin looking for new jobs as soon as possible to give yourself more flexibility and choice. Examine job postings, particularly for the industry in which you work, and consider applying directly to companies that interest you. Make sure you have a strong resume in order to stand out as a candidate, and be honest with yourself about what you want from your new job. Don’t accept a job that isn’t ideal for you; you’ll be looking for work again in a few months.