As bad as it can feel to get laid off, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. How you handle yourself personally and professionally in these types of situations can help pave the way for any future opportunities and help to build a more solid foundation moving forward.

As unfortunate as the reality of it is, people get laid off all the time; you are not alone and most importantly, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. If you are struggling with a recent layoff, expected or not, moving forward can feel like a very overwhelming and daunting process. However, according to Forbes.com, these key tips can go a long way in helping you move on to bigger and better things.

• Breathe. Whether you being laid off was sudden or somewhat expected, it can feel like a huge blow to your professional career and your personal well-being. You need to give yourself some time to sit and think about what just happened. You may be angry, hurt, frustrated, worried, etc., but regardless of how you feel, it is important to remember that these feelings are natural. Talk to a friend or even keep notes on how you’re feeling. It will surprise you how much of a weight can be lifted by just allowing yourself time to breathe.
• Try To Stay Positive. Obviously this is much easier said than done. The idea is simple; if you fill your mind and inner dialogue with positive thoughts, focusing on your strengths as a person and employee, your brain will instinctively react accordingly. Positivity can only foster further positivity and growth.
• Remember To Take Care of Yourself. Initially, your first reaction to being laid off and suddenly without an income may be panic and an urgent need to save your livelihood. However, your first thought needs to be to take care of yourself. Simple acts such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and continuing to get enough sleep, going for walks etc., can go a long way in clearing your mind and enabling you to focus on what’s next.
• Open Yourself Up To The Positive Side Effects Of Being Laid Off. It will be extremely easy to immediately find all of the negative potential outcomes after being laid off. However, it is key to try and focus on anything positive that may come out of it as a result. For instance, you may find yourself gravitating towards jobs that may be better suited for your skills and interests. Use this time to figure out what is truly important to you and what you really want to do moving forward in your career. Who knows, your next position may have higher pay or even more lucrative benefits available.
• Take Advantage Of Your Support Team. Whether this means surrounding yourself with family and friends or reaching out to your networking circle, keep the conversations and connections open. Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed for being laid, it happens to even the best performers. Your support team may be able to lend some insight into how you’re feeling and provide recommendations or advice on how to move forward.

Regardless of how, why or when you were laid off, no one likes the idea of suddenly being back in the job market without a solid foundation under them. The feeling of having to start over can be hard to wrap your head around. The best thing you can do is focus on the positive possibilities that are now available to you. Keep your head up and push forward, remembering that this is all temporary, especially if you focus your energy on the next step, in what is sure to be a long and productive career.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.