Lost Your Job During Coronavirus? What Should You Do?

The coronavirus outbreak has caused many companies to downsize their operations and encourage employees to work remotely. Some companies struggle to spruce up their revenues or force to suspend their business. What should you do if you have lost your job during the pandemic?

Read your employment contract 

If you are laid off by your employer, go back and read the employment contract for details on the financial benefits offered in case of a job cut initiated by the company. There are different types of layoffs such as non-legal or addressed in your contract. Request for an immediate advance package if possible so that you can cope financially without a job in the next two to three months. If your company makes you leave in violation of the contract, you have the right to sue the organisation. For example, a company is not supposed to ask you to quit your job in case if you are tested with COVID-19 positive and unable to work for a few weeks. 

Find outplacement services 

Some companies offer outplacement services for the employees that they let go to help them find jobs. These companies seek help from outplacement firms to help affected employees find alternative employment. Therefore, as soon as you are informed that you will be laid off, write to the human resources department to confirm if there are any outplacement services available. The pandemic has reduced job opportunities in the market. Hence, outplacement agencies will be helpful to aid employees to find another job. 

Re-skill yourself 

The employment landscape is going to be different in some sectors with the current pandemic situation, but technology advancement will continue to reshape the working world. Also, hiring might be freeze for some companies. However, there are also some skills that employers are still looking for, such as, digital marketing and IT skills. You can go to job portals or professional networking sites to search for in-demand skills. During this period, some e-learning platforms offer free courses temporarily. Laid-off employees should take the opportunity to use these platforms to upskill themselves. 

Take care of your mental wellbeing

For those who have lost their job during the pandemic, will most likely lead to a great impact on their mental health. There are online counselling or therapy sessions available out there at minimal cost to help individuals who would like to discuss about the unpredictability on account of job cuts. Seek professional help over mental health issues if you need to during this hard time. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Remind yourself that unemployment is only temporary. The pandemic situation may be bumpy, but it will improve over time.

Streamline your finances 

Take some time to review your spending and savings habits. Search for methods to cut your expenses and use your savings to recharge any emergency fund or debts. Here are some methods to spend wisely:

• Cancel streaming subscriptions that you don’t use 
• Change to lower-cost plans for returning bills 
• Cook your own meals 
• Think wisely when doing bulk purchase 
• Schedule an automatic transfer from spending account to savings account 

Freelance jobs 

You can still find yourself a temporary side hustle for a delivery app by delivering restaurant orders or groceries while maintaining physical distance. These jobs can contribute to your job experience until the pandemic is over. Consider doing online writing, virtual services, creating online education programs, selling your artwork or even working on your YouTube channel. Scout other methods to earn an income during the pandemic could help you to miscellany your income derivation in future. 

The bottom line

Losing your job may not be a gratifying experience but it needs not be negative. Several safety nets can help you recover and protect your finances. This pandemic could also be a good time for you to rest and prepare for the future. 

Fret not, The Adecco Is Here for You campaign has recently been launched in hopes to help candidates navigate this changing landscape. The campaign is an initiative to help professionals who lost their employment during the COVID-19 crisis. If your job is affected, please reach out to us here: https://bit.ly/2ygSP1y