Every time we either pick up the newspaper or turn on the television, we're hearing about more companies being forced to downsize and layoff more employees. As unfortunate as this is, it's something that's hitting more people every day. The scary part is that seniority in no longer protecting employees from layoffs. In fact, it seems as though, in many companies, those with the most seniority are the very ones getting the axe. Why? As a way to cut back on costs, employers are choosing to layoff many employees that are paid high salaries. So, layoffs can hit all of us. The biggest concern is how to deal with this very painful event and not let it get you off track.

Thinking Positive

It always seems like it's when we're hit with the worst tragedies or circumstances that we're told to think positive. Our first thoughts are, "what's there to be positive about?"  However, in spite of the pain and helplessness we may feel as a result of being laid off, there are still many things we can be thankful for and have positive thoughts about. That old saying "as long as you have your health…" really does hit close to home at a time like this. Family is equally, if not more, important. Use this time to take stock of the many positive things you still do have in your life and you'll find there are many!

Another thing you may want to consider is that all the things you hear on the news are always about the negative things going on in the world. While they're busy telling us that unemployment is up to 10%, they don't take the time to tell you that 90% of the population is still employed! This is definitely worth thinking about. There are still millions of people out there going to work every day, bringing home a paycheck and planning their future. With a little luck, you could soon be one of those once again.

Take Some Time Off

You probably think advice to "take some time off" is ridiculous when all you seem to have now is time. However, rather than let this layoff set you in a deep depression; take this time to reevaluate your life and your goals. So many people work for years at jobs they really don't like strictly because it's a paycheck.  If you fall into this category, use this time off to think of what you'd really like to do with your life – go to school and get that degree you've always wanted, start your own business or work for an entirely new company. The time has never been better to look into many of these opportunities that you never before had the time to do.

Although you may have this burning desire to rush back into the first job you find, take some time to see what you really want to do with your life and career. The government has provided many benefits and programs to help workers like you that have lost their jobs. Check them out and see what they have to offer. In time, you may find that losing your job was a blessing in disguise because of the many new opportunities it opened up for you.