Revealing 5 Best Ways To Deal With Job Loss

By Kibet Tobias
Dismissal from a job is one of the most stressful things that can happen to a person in their career.
It has been argued that most professionals consider job security when looking for a job but it is good to note that job stability varies from one job to another and from one sector to the other.
The law also requires employers to give you early notice before you are fired.  However, in most cases, losing a job happens suddenly and very unexpectedly.
Just think of a situation where you arrive at the office in the morning only to get a dismissal letter on your desk. It is very painful.
What are the reasons that give your employer the right to fire you?
We have Kenyan labour laws that govern every company when dealing with their employees.
Here are some of the reasons that give your employer the right to fire you;

• When you absconds duty
• Employee Negligence at work
• Disobeying an employer’s command
• Doing anything that might make an employer feel offended
• When an employee uses abusive language

Sometimes lay-offs happen when a company is struggling financially or when the organisation is restructured and your position or department is terminated.
You’ll be painfully overwhelmed when you lose your job, but don’t be hopeless. You will get a new job.

 So how do you deal with a layoff?

1. Examine the benefits you were entitled to
When you are laid off, take the necessary steps to ensure that you get your final paycheck and other benefits.
In many cases, your employer is required to have your final paycheck ready for you at the time you’re fired. But depending on different scenarios, that isn’t guaranteed.
So before leaving your job, ensure you get it. If it is not ready, know when you are receiving your last pay, and how it will be delivered to you.
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2. Seek guidance from the labour authorities
Refer to the contract signed during the job offer stage. Were the agreements adhered to? Has the employer violated your rights?
If you can prove that the employer’s actions are contrary to the agreement indicated on the contract, this gives you legal grounds to sue for compensation.
Maybe you were fired in an unlawful way. In this case, you have a right to report the incidence to the industrial court 3 months after your dismissal.
3. Ask for recommendations from your boss
The fact that you have lost your job doesn’t mean you should be enemies with your co-workers, supervisor or your boss.
If you didn’t have a good relationship with the boss, many other people are often willing to help you in one way or the other if you have a good relationship with them.
Get the ones who will remember your work and are more likely to offer you reference and effective recommendations.
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4. Update Your CV
Accept the job loss and know that at this point your job search process has started again.
Before you start applying for jobs, it is important to ensure that your CV is updated and professionally written.
Let your CV sell you effectively to your next potential employer. Once your CV is readily updated, start applying for jobs.
For the first week or month, you may not get an interview invitation but try to set the maximum job applications you will be making daily or weekly. Stay focused!
5. Reach out to your connections
Networking is an effective way to help you get another job after your previous loss.
Let your connections working in your industry know that you lost the job and you are looking for one.
Start developing relationships with people. Attend industry events where you are more likely to make connections with key industry players who can help you learn about new job opportunities.
In conclusion…
Surviving a layoff in your career can be a difficult and painful experience. It needs a lot of planning, patience, and persistence.
If you’re focused and strategic, great opportunities will come your way!
Have you had any similar experience? Which other strategies helped you survive a layoff? Comment on the section below.