Getting laid off can be a devastating experience, and it can make planning for the future difficult. Career coach Octavia Goredema offers a practical checklist of next steps to help you focus on your future rather than get bogged down by logistics.

💼 Be sure to thoroughly review your exit paperwork. If you need more time during the process, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Negotiate your terms; you might be able to secure a longer timeframe for receiving certain benefits.
💼 Apply for unemployment insurance. The state-run benefit will pay you a weekly amount based on how much you earned before filing for unemployment. 
💼 Take time to reflect on what you want to do next. It can help to think about what you liked and disliked about your last job. This can help you focus your search.
💼 Create a monthly budget based on a realistic timeline for securing a new job. For instance, if you anticipate that finding your next job will take six months, divide your savings to cover expenses over a six-month timeframe.