A job loss due to layoffs or conflicting interests can be a shock to our system. A person may feel thrilled to be apart from their previous employer at first but a flood of emotions generally follows shortly after. Today’s guest, Career Coach Marsha Warner, shares tips and techniques to transform your first days of unemployment.

If you find yourself in this situation Marsha advises:

• Don’t start to market yourself for a new position immediately.
• Take the necessary time to equalize your emotions.
• Just breathe.
• Be prepared to tell your story pragmatically and end it with a statement of moving forward.
• Friends and family can serve as a much-needed support system.

Only after rectifying your emotions should you align yourself with possible new employers. Statistics from the Department of Labor anticipate each US worker will have six job changes from age 30 to age 55.  Understanding you may find yourself transitioning jobs more than once makes a good case for having a high-level, personal career plan. Taking personal responsibility for your skill set and keeping a larger perspective empowers you when your job search begins.

Remember to: Stay engaged with your existing networks! Take a class to enhance your skills!   

Marsha Warner Bio

Marsha is the owner of Career Factors (www.careerfactors.com). She is a coach, resume writer, and recruiter. Her clients range from college students to senior executives. Marsha is a popular educator and speaker at career events and a frequent contributor to career blogs and podcasts. Thank you Marsha, for contributing to this How to Cope with a Job Loss podcast.

Jenna’s Find Your Dream Job Listener Question:

Ben, Jenna and Mac chime in to provide Jonathan Chambers expert advice when answering his question “How do I transition from being an entrepreneur to a 9-5 employee?”

Ben’s Job Search Resources:

Career One Stop (www.careeronestop.org) is a U.S. Department of Labor website designed specifically for the unemployed job seeker. The online tool  provides customized information for your specific situation and includes guides on how to file for unemployment benefits.

Mac’s Pro-Tip:

Unemployment benefits are NOT tax free. Set aside a portion of your earnings to offset the taxes due on April 15th.

These segments are sponsored by the 2016 edition of Land Your Dream Job in Portland (and Beyond). Now available in all formats!

If you would like the team to answer a job related question send it to [email protected]. If you found a job resource you think everyone should know about send it to [email protected] and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

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Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo,www.freddytrujillo.com.

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