Think You Might Lose Your Job?

The global economic uncertainty has all of us thinking "what if I lose my job?" If unemployment for yourself, or your partner is a possibility, there are a number of things you can do to lessen the impact of being unemployed, and to prepare yourself for finding another position.

Start saving. This one goes hand in hand with Stop Spending, on unnecessary items that is. Examine your needs versus your wants. The wants will have to go. Put what you would have spent on the 'wants' into a savings account to tide you over in the case you do lose your job. Most experts recommend having three to six months of savings in the bank to cover living expenses.

Update your contact list. Make a list of everyone that you come in contact with during the course of business. And I mean EVERYONE, from the receptionist at the front desk and the delivery driver to the CEO. Don't discount those people in 'entry level' positions. The receptionist is frequently at the core of a business, and knows everyone's comings and goings, who's leaving and who's staying. If there are people on your contact list that you haven't spoken to in awhile, now's the time to get back in touch. Networking is the name of the game and when you're unemployed you should treat anyone as a potential lead source for new employment.

Get a checkup and stock up on prescriptions. This is particularly important if your company pays all or part of your medical expenses, or your medical insurance. If you require regular medication, new eyeglasses or a dental procedure, take care of it now while your medical benefits are in place because once they're gone, you'll be footing the bill yourself.

Get a copy of your company's employee handbook. Your company may offer severance, retraining or other allowances in the event of a layoff or termination. If you're part of a union, this is likely covered in your union contract. Educate yourself as to your rights and responsibilities so that if your employment is terminated, you'll know what those rights and responsibilities are, and what you have to do to get the ball rolling.

Don't burn your bridges. Regardless of how angry you may be in the event of a layoff, taking it out on your supervisor won't do you any good in the long run. You want to be able to use this person as a reference for a new position, which will be hard to do if you poured coffee down the front of her dress during the termination interview, or talked behind his back about what a control freak he is.

Find out about unemployment benefits. Each jurisdiction has different rules and regulations about unemployment benefits. Find out about yours so that you won't waste any time in the event your job is axed.

Talk to your family. There's no shame in losing your job because of an economic downturn. Let your family know that everyone will have to do their part in reigning in spending. Your kids may surprise with creative ways to save that you've never even considered.

Stock up the freezer. This may sound a bit corny, but if you have a chest freezer in the basement, clean it out and start loading it up. When you go grocery shopping, buy a few extra frozen foods. When cooking, make extra and freeze for later. When you have little to no income coming in, corny turns into dinner!

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