10 Tips to Plan for a Job Loss

I am having a hard time today focusing on what I need to get done on my job. I am tired. We had a restless night sleep. My husband was up all night and I was doing my best to sleep. Today is a difficult day for us. We are like most people. We both work but my husband brings in the majority of our income. He works at a manufacturing plant. We know that today 30 people will lose their jobs. We are hopeful we are not one of the 30 but unsure.

We were up worried for ourselves and the other potential families that have gone to work today for the last time in a place that they have most likely worked in for years. I know my husband has been there for almost 9 years and others for a longer period. It has been a difficult couple of weeks knowing this day was drawing closer. It has been hard on me watching my husband comb through the help wanted ads “just in case”. It has been harder watching him worry about the employees that report to him. You know it is because we are planners and we try our best to live on less just in case but I know that so many people haven’t made the change to doing without.

I can only hope that the families that have to face being unemployed today have implemented a savings strategy. You never know when your number will be called. You never know when you will have your last paycheck. The only thing you can do is plan. I hope that today everyone receives new jobs that are better than their old job and that the impact of the layoff is one of a greener pasture instead of doubt and sorrow. I hope that even though it may not be “you” that you need to plan like it could be.

How to Plan for a Job Loss

I suggest you implement an emergency savings plan.

1) Track your spending I use the FREE Spense APP a notebook will do

2) Cut out $5 a day out of your spending. If you do not have five dollars than you need to figure out how to remove something from your budget. That means doing without. You can see how people saved $5 a day using the $5 Savings Plan

3) Make a list of what you need and what you can live with out. Then remove a live without item from your budget and put the money in the bank for a job loss.

4) If you save money then put it into an account. That means if you save $10 off your grocery bill by using coupons then you should take the $10 and put it into a bank account.

5) If you receive a raise or tax refund then automatically place that money in savings. You didn’t have it yesterday and you do not need it today.

6) Make things last longer. We drive our cars until they can’t be driven. We take care of our things so we do not need to replace them.

7) Do not buy anything over $10 without researching if you can get it cheaper.

8) Before you buy something ask yourself: a) Do I need it? b) Do I have something already that does the same thing? c) If I didn’t buy it today would it matter? d) What am I giving up to have this item? e) Does buying this item help me achieve my long term goal. (Put these questions on a note pad on your cell and look at them)

9) Have a strategy for finding another job. That means have your resume up to date. Make a list of your network. Make sure you are aware of the current job market and where your skill set will fit.

10) Be mentally prepared and remain calm. You have the ability to do great things you just need to have a plan. You will need to be prepared to spend at least 40 hours a week looking for a job if you are laid off. Do not wait because the longer you are unemployed the harder it is to find a job.

Be creative in your approach to finding a new job. I have a Madame Deals Job board for people that are looking to freelance. I suggest looking for opportunities anywhere you can find them.  You can even include work at home opportunities in your plan for a job loss. You never know unless you ask is my motto!

Do you have other rips on how to plan for a job loss? Share it with us below.