How to Bounce Back After Being Fired, Laid-Off, or Downsized

Find your purpose in life.
Take the time to evaluate your situation. Assess your skills and qualifications. Realize what is the driving force in your life. Perhaps you were meant to be a teacher instead of an accountant. Visit www.assessment.com to find out!

Update your resume.
Make sure to highlight your recent accomplishments. Have a friend or professional look over your resume. If your company offers an outsourcing resource, definitely utilize their services.

Give yourself time to grieve.
Losing your job is disappointing. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time. Don't rush through your feelings. Be honest with your family and friends about what you are feeling and what you want from them.

Self-promote!
Network! Network! Network! If you are staying in your current career, attend association meetings or schedule your own networking event. Speed Networking is becoming very popular. A good one to try is Ryze Network http://www.ryze.com. Make contacts and cultivate new relationships. Don't just rely on posting your resume on the internet; speak to colleagues and friends about the opportunities you are seeking.

Save money.
Unless you have a substantial amount of money saved, now is not the time to buy a Brooks Brothers suit or a pair of Manolo Blahniks. Prepare and set a budget for 9-12 months. Make minimum monthly payments on credit cards and get rid of any unnecessary debt or expenses. For great financial advice visit www.suzeorman.com.

Reconnect with friends and family.
Spend time with your kids, be available for them. Take your spouse out for a date. Invite friends over for dinner.

Go back to school.
Now is the time to finish that degree or start graduate school. Don't have the time to get to school? Try distance education. Take classes in the comfort of your home at your pace. For a list of schools offering distance education, visit www.classesusa.com.

Don't bad-mouth your former employer.
It's a small world. No matter how you feel about your former employer, never disclose any important information or say anything negative about them.

Surround yourself with positive and motivated people.
Part of your grief process might be to find other people in your situation to help you cope. Beware of any chat rooms or discussion boards that are outlets for people to vent and complain. Now is the time to be effective and optimistic.

Relish in the present and look to the future.
You can not undo the past. Accept the reality and change in your life. Ask yourself "What's next?" It may not seem like it now, but this might be the best thing that has happened to you.