Finding out that you've suddenly lost your job is a huge shock. But no matter how shocked, angry, embarrassed, confused or worried you are upon getting the news, remember that there is one thing you still have control over - your response. How you respond to finding out that you're out of work can affect your relationship with your soon-to-be-former employer and what sort of support you're able to get as you exit your position. You don't have much control over the situation, but you do have control over yourself and you can try to choose how you deal with it, to try and act rather than only react. When people lost jobs suddenly or unexpectedly, they often have little time to make decisions and that compounds the stress.

Think about what you might need during your transitional period while you're looking for another position. For example, if your employer offers a severance package, review it before signing it. You may be in a position to negotiate with your employer about possible benefits before you leave. Even if your company uses a pre-determined formula to set severance payouts, given the sudden nature of your circumstances, think about whether or not you may be able to negotiate for additional benefits such as:

Giving you a longer transition period - for example, asking to be kept on with the organization for an additional period of time to finish or find a better stopping point for any key projects, to organize your work and pack, with the understanding that you're beginning the process of disengaging from your employer;

Allowing you to use your office (in an unpaid capacity) for a certain period of time while you look for another job;

Permission to apply for other jobs within the company, or, if circumstances make that impossible, ask if your boss will consider you for future positions, temporary assignments, or consulting opportunities in your area of expertise;

A letter of recommendation or reference you could take with you to use in your job search (if you have a good relationship with the organization and with the person you're asking to be a reference), particularly since many companies are only willing to confirm that you worked there for a specific period of time;

Use of office equipment such as fax machine, copier, Internet access, etc. while you look for a job; and

Outplacement services that might include career counseling or coaching, training, and job search support including resume writing and interviewing techniques, paid for by your company. As part of your exit process, the Human Resources department should provide you with information on your benefits, but in case they don't, ask for:

Information on any financial benefits such as stock options, pension benefits, and your 401(k) plan and rollover options

Paperwork to COBRA your health insurance if you choose (see "Maintaining Health Insurance Coverage" for more information) You may also want to inquire whether such policies as life insurance, long term disability insurance or anything else you may have had as an employee can be converted into individual policies and get information on how that could be done and at what cost, should you choose to.

Information on how to access your credit union funds (if you had opened an account through your company) As you close out your work and pack up, make sure to take or make copies of any performance evaluations, samples of work you've done, and any awards of letters of commendation.

Although this is an awkward time for both you and your former colleagues, remember that with some time and a well-planned job search strategy you'll be working again. Also remember, you're not alone! Other people have lost jobs suddenly, unexpectedly, and successfully made the transition to a new position!