I lost my job due to Covid and it sucks!

Losing your job can be a very traumatic and challenging time. I know, because I lost my job recently I’m wondering what to do. From the blow to your finances to the dent in your self-confidence, its impact is felt in every facet of your life. This event occurring now, in the midst of a potentially massive recession makes it all the more troubling.

What can you do if you lost your job? Firstly, do not bury your head in the sand. There are things you can do that will make things easier in the long run. I’m going to have a look at what these are and how you can help yourself in these circumstances.

1. Assess your emergency funds

If you do have an emergency fund then well done, you will probably be ok for a while after you lost your job. However, if you do not have an emergency fund, you must look at your finances as a priority. If you don’t have a budget, then make one right away. Look critically at it and decide what you can cut out. Where can you make savings? Can you start shopping at Aldi or Lidl? If you are ordering takeaway food, can you cut this out and cook at home? Do you need to subscribe to magazines and TV services? All these things add up. You will save money on commuting, but drastic cuts will be required.

In these times it shouldn’t be hard to cut back on eating out and drinking at the pub (due to nowhere being open!), but these also eat into your budget.

2. Examine your debt

Depending on the size of your savings, you should think about arranging to take a break on your loan payments. You will have far less income after losing your job so this is essential. In the UK, you should be able to arrange a payment holiday with your car loan provider as the FCA has required PCP and finance companies to do this. Mortgage companies will also be open to giving you a break on the mortgage payments for a time.

Credit card – you need to first stop adding the debt, and then revert temporarily to minimum payments. If you are struggling to make even the minimum payments contact the card provider and they may be able to help.

If things are looking particularly bleak, then contact Citizen’s Advice or the debt charity Step Change.

3. Start job hunting ASAP

It may seem hopeless to be looking for a job in this climate, but you will be surprised how many companies are looking. Update your CV/resume and LinkedIn. If you’ve been your job for a while, your CV may not be up to date. You need to ensure all the relevant experience you have is included. I recommend personalising it to the job you are applying for. Your CV will likely be binned if it is not!

Think about putting out the news you are looking on LinkedIn. You will be surprised how many leads come through. Recruiters will be desperate for good candidates which includes you! I got over 350 profile views, and 6500+ people saw my post after it was shared on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor are all good sources of jobs. You can trawl their jobs board and see what is available. Going directly to companies can be fruitful as some roles may not be online or are advertised on their websites. Due to COVID 19, you may find that many are not recruiting at this time so it would be wise to make a record of who you applied to and follow up with them at a later date.

Finding a great recruiter (that can be hard) can be beneficial too as they will give you help with your CV and interviews. They will have access to jobs companies don’t advertise publically so it can mean you get a better role.

Although you may find your situation embarrassing, you really can’t afford to let that stop you. You need to get the word out to friends and family. People will be more than happy to help and recommend places you can look.

4. Seek government benefits

Sign on – can you get benefits? You’ve been working and paying taxes all this time so there is no shame in claiming. Contact the DWP and claim Jobseekers allowance. You can get £74.35/week, which isn’t a great deal, but it’s better than nothing.

5. Free time? Then upskill and side hustle

This is a time you can upskill and learn something you’ve always wanted to but didn’t have the time. Harvard University has a range of free courses for you to do in your downtime. 

Do you have a side hustle that you can grow and expand? Then perhaps this is a good time to do that. You have the time to do it, so why not?

Can you set up a business using your existing skills? We have all worked a long time and picked up many skills along the way. Is it time to take the leap?

6. Keep the faith and practice patience

Even in good times, it can take time to find a job. I would estimate it could take between 1-3 months, so be realistic about this time frame. Take up a hobby, do a jigsaw, go for a run. It’s your opportunity to redirect yourself to something better.

If you lost your job due to Covid 19, or any other reason, don’t despair. Even though you lost your job, the key is to remember that we are more than our jobs, and it doesn’t reflect on you as a person or your skills. It’s a very difficult time and COVID 19 is responsible. Try to believe in yourself, and you’ll be fine.