What to do if you've been laid off
If you or someone you know has been laid off from work please take a look and share the tips below on what to do next!
1- Take care of YOU Your health is important so don’t go without health coverage! Speak to your employer about extending your health insurance benefit for up to 18 months under COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) if it's available. You have 60 days after your coverage lapses to opt-in or start shopping for your own policy [here] (https://www.healthcare.gov/) Your new employment status allows for you to actively enroll even if it's not open enrollment time.
2- Apply for unemployment benefits To receive unemployment benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment program in the state where you worked as soon as possible! Don't delay because this process can take quite a long time. The government-sponsored site, [CareerOneStop] (https://www.careeronestop.org/), has details on unemployment benefits in each state. You also can do a quick Google search to locate your local Department of Labor and unemployment office and apply there as well.
3- Revisit your budget There’s no way of knowing how long you will be unemployed and because your income is now significantly less, it's important to plan for the future. Revisit your accounts and see where you stand. Cut down on your expenses and spend only on what is necessary for the time being (think food, gas, etc.). Put together a list of all the bills you currently pay such as car payments, student loans, rent, mortgage, medical bills, etc. that are non-negotiable. Anything that isn’t essential cancel it for now and focus on the more important bills. If you feel you are unable to pay your mortgage reach out to your bank ASAP and alert them to the problem as well as your landlord if you rent.
4- Stay in touch Don’t be afraid to connect with your coworkers/managers, now is the time. Ask them for their contact information and if they would consider being a reference in the near future. Stick to anyone you worked closely with who can attest to your skills on the job. If they ask you, make sure to offer them the same courtesy.
5- Be positive Right now is a difficult time but remaining positive will help see you through this! Surround yourself with loved ones who will support and guide you and talk to them about how you feel. Stay strong and look to the future. As the saying goes, "This too shall pass."
6- Apply It goes without saying that once you lose a job you need to replace it with another. So revamp that resume! Be sure to add any new skills and experiences you gained over your employment. Then when you are ready, search and apply to jobs in your area [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/jobs/search).
Wishing you the best during this difficult time.
Have questions? Please ask!
We are here to help : )
I remember I was laid off from my job many, many years ago and it was awful because you feel as if you are alone but you aren't. As Ashley Wilson said use your resources and keep pushing yourself in the right direction. Jobs come and go but your happiness and well being is the most important.
Make sure you apply for unemployment. Same thing happened to me like 3 years ago and I waited and then I was screwed!!! Don't wait!
I hope everyone who has finds a new job.
My impression of Lowe's has always been one of class, quality, style and courtesy... I believe. So here is a compliment to the WORKERS of Lowe's and anyone who patiently guided them over these past 10 years or so. Honestly, I did not buy many things from Lowe's, mostly small items like plants, hand tools, wire fencing and maybe 1 light fixture, or some flooring one time, so THIS is likely the bigger issue! If 40, 50 or 60 percent of shoppers near a Lowe's location never needed a table saw, kitchen makeover or 160 to 340 feet of privacy fencing, then the product selection simply was not right. Good luck to all of you! ~ People are living in higher density dwellings where every fixture is "owned" by the building, the lawn is maintained by a third-party, even many of the cars in the parking lot are leased. In order for people to need "home improvements", they need to actually HAVE homes!