What are 7 Steps to take after Terminated from your Job?

Losing a job can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences you’ll face. But it’s also a turning point and chance to reflect, reset, and rise stronger.

Here are 7 key steps to take if you've been fired, laid off, or unexpectedly let go:

1. 🧘‍♂️ Stay Calm and Professional

It’s completely normal to feel hurt, angry, or shocked.
But don’t react impulsively and avoid saying or doing anything you might regret later.

✅ Stay professional during exit interviews and interactions with coworkers.
✅ Preserve your reputation.  The job may be gone, but your character stays.

2. 🕵️ Understand the Reasons

Clarity is key. Ask:

• Why was I let go?
• What feedback can I learn from?

🎯 Use this insight to identify blind spots or gaps, and turn them into growth opportunities.

3. 💸 Assess Your Finances

Take stock of your current financial position:

• 📊 Review your expenses and savings
• 📝 Create a short-term survival budget
• 🧾 File for unemployment (if eligible)

🧠 Consider consulting an Independent, Fee-Only, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ to build a plan for this transition, and prepare for future life events.

4. 📝 Update Your Resume & LinkedIn

Time to refresh your professional materials:

• ✅ Update your resume with your most recent role
• ✅ Polish your LinkedIn profile
• ✅ Be honest, but focus on your skills and successes

💡 Show hiring managers what you bring to the table, not why you left the last one.

5. 🤝 Network and Seek Support

You don’t have to do this alone.

• Connect with former colleagues, mentors, and friends
• Let them know you’re open to new roles
• Join job fairs, networking events, or online communities

💬 Ask for referrals, introductions, or insights and give support in return.

6. 🎯 Develop a Job Search Strategy

Don’t just send résumés target your next move.

• Define your goals
• Tailor your cover letters and applications
• Use job boards, recruiters, and LinkedIn effectively

✅ Treat your search like a job with structure, intention, and daily progress.

7. 🚀 Unleash the Hidden Entrepreneur

What if this is your career pivot point?

Explore whether now is the right time to:

• 💼 Launch your own business
• 🎨 Turn a passion project into income
• 💡 Monetize your skills in a freelance or consulting role

Start with the SCORE Startup Roadmap and connect with a local mentor.

🌟 Final Thought

Being fired does NOT define your future.  It opens the door to reinvention.
Stay proactive. Stay hopeful. The next chapter may be better than you imagined.

📅 Want help navigating the Financial Side of Job Loss?

If you're seeking trusted advice and creative financial solutions for your next move.  Let’s build your bridge from uncertainty to opportunity together. 

👉 Book a free, confidential meeting with Lifetime Financial Planners