Losing a job is a major life change. It's natural to experience a wide range of emotions when you've unexpectedly lost your job. Many people experience grief-like symptoms including shock, confusion, anger, denial, and depression. It can help to remember that just as looking for a new job is a process so is absorbing and adjusting to the loss of your old job. As much as you can, try to take a few days or weeks to grieve and resolve emotional issues before you look for a new job. If you are overwhelmed by these feelings, talk them through with a trusted friend or counselor. Journaling can be helpful in working through powerful emotions. Check out your library or local bookstore for resources on processing grief and moving forward after experiencing such a significant loss. Look for local job networking support groups. If your former employer provided you with outplacement, consider taking advantage of services they provide to deal with job loss, and then begin focusing on what they provide to help you get to what's next such as workshops on resume preparation, access to equipment such as computers and fax machines, and even career development strategies. Keeping physically active, eating well, and getting enough rest will also help reduce the stress you're experiencing. Take small steps. Caring for yourself physically and emotionally both while you are working through the sudden shock of losing your job and when you begin taking steps toward your next job will improve your approach to finding a new job and how you interview.  

Try to see this as a period of transition. Because unemployment can feel isolating, stay connected by intentionally spending time with close friends and family. This is a unique time in which you can do things you haven't had time to do before - like see your kids' plays or soccer games, volunteer at church or for a community cause, make some needed home repairs, learn some new skills.

Realize that your sudden unemployment affects your entire family, kids included. Children pick up on their parents' stress and anxiety. Do what you can to reassure them, and try to keep to predictable rhythms. Don't pretend everything is the same; don't hide the event from them or your anxiety. As much as you love to provide your family or dependents with what they want, explain to them that you as a family will need to harness your spending (see "Manage Your Money" for more information) so that you can weather well the time between jobs. Encourage your family to brainstorm together about ways you can save money. Assure children that the job loss is nobody's fault. Consider letting your child's school guidance counselor know about your situation so that he/she can be attuned to any change in your child's behavior. Take care of yourself and each other as much as you can. Get the outside support you need to manage your job/career and worklife transitions. For example, there are great websites such as www.familiesandwork.org; www.nww.org; and www.ncoa.org;  that can help you cope.

As you go through this process, you will have to establish a new set of routines and rhythms. Set goals and schedules for various aspects of your job search. Even small things can help provide you with a sense of accomplishment. As difficult as this time may be, by choosing to make some lifestyle and attitude adjustments, you'll be well on your way to landing a new job.