As Seen On TV: Layoff Survival Guide
Experts say overcoming fear is the first step toward rebounding after job loss.
Feb. 2, 2009— -- Ben Sherwood, author of "The Survivor's Club," a book that examines the people who survive dire situations, from plane crashes to an economic downturn, gives expert advice on how to bounce back from losing your job.
Manage Your Fear Sherwood says that which separates survivors in any context is the ability to manage fear. When overwhelmed by such a devastating blow as being laid off, survivors find ways to control the mounting fear inside.
"The military says in a survival situation, hug the monster. That means go right up to your biggest fear and grab hold of it tight because that is the best way to conquer it."
The AARP breaks down the stages of grief associated with job loss. From shock to denial, anger and acceptance, click here to learn more.
Face the Facts Survivors pay attention to reality and adapt. They face the facts and change their attitudes and actions to follow suit, Sherwood said.
"Pay attention to the reality that your 401(k) is shrinking rapidly and take action to deal with it. Finding a way to solve the problem, not just sort of putting your head in the sand and hoping it is going to go away."
Ignoring the reality of your 401(k) is "probably the worst thing you can do," Sherwood said
Retrain/Reinvent Your Course of Action Sherwood said survivors take terrible economic times and turn them into fortune. Tumultuous times present an opportunity to retrain and find a new line of work.
"A large number of people in a crisis become bewildered. They freeze. They don't know what to do. They wait for instruction from an authority figure," he said. "The same thing applies in the economy. People just sort of freeze, they don't know what to do and they wait for someone to tell them what's going to happen next. In order to be a survivor and a thriver -- that small percentage of people who take action -- you have got to push yourself to come up with a plan."
For more information, check out HRWorld's 16 best ways to make the best of a bad situation.
Don't Ignore Warning Signs About Your Job If your company is on the brink, make an exit plan. Sherwood said to start taking a class, or go to a government training center to be a step ahead in case bad times strike. Check out these warning signs of a pending layoff.
For more information on how to survive unemployment and connect with other survivors, check out "The Survivor's Club" "Unemployment Jobs Loss Support Center."