I was in the October wave and I thought I'd create an advice thread for those people affected by all the layoffs. Feel free to add your positive tips and advice.
This a shock and a major event in your life. It's ok to feel sad, angry and wallow around. It's ok to cry and give yourself some time to process this and watch netflix all weekend. Take care of yourself and do what you feel you need to do.
Things To Do Post-Layoff:
- Meet up with friends and former coworkers for coffee to talk, vent and share information. Build your tribe!
- File for unemployment in your state.
- Decide if you want to sign the severance agreement. Put a reminder on your calendar to send it in before the due date.
- Update your resume with your most recent job duties.
- Update your LInkedIn profile and start reaching out to your connections. Ask them to post a recommendation for you on your profile.
- Reach out to your network. Ask them about recruiters, job leads, their industry or to look over your resume and provide feedback. People really do want to help you!
- Look through job postings to get ideas of what's out there and what you might want to do. Do you want to do the same thing or are you ready to try something different?
- Take advantage of the UHG career displacement services and career coaching. They pay for it whether you use it or not.
- Read through the COBRA documents and look at your benefit options. Put a reminder on your calendar for these deadlines.
- Sign up for insurance and benefits through your spouse or partner if you can.
- Speak with your financial adviser (or find one) to discuss your financial situation. Make a plan.
- Roll over your UHG 401k to your personal retirement account like an IRA or a Roth IRA. If you don't have one, then speak with your financial adviser to help you.
- Decide if you want to sell your UHG stock from ESPP (employee stock purchase program). If you want to sell, talk with Fidelity about it.
- Look into state programs and resources that are available to you. The State of Minnesota offers a Dislocated Worker Program and helps you with your job search, retraining and new skill development. It's a great program! https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/dislocated-worker/
ASK FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT. Whether you need mental, physical or financial assistance, it's ok to ask for help.
You will get through this!