Yep, look at me turning lemons into lemonade again. And yep, you read that right. I lost my job a week before Christmas. But this post is not about a boo hoo poor me sob story. Its about using what I’ve learned to help myself or someone else. So here goes:
First, if you lose your job before the holidays, DO NOT CRY. Ok, go ahead and cry if you want to, but why? Sure, sure you’re out of an income source but look at it this way; you can now finish your Christmas preparations without feeling rushed!
Second, file for unemployment compensation IMMEDIATELY. I have no way of knowing whether you’ll receive it or not, but filing might make you feel better.
Third (or maybe second), get a hug from someone you like and trust: your pooch or kitty, your spouse or your BFF. Matters not, really. Let people love on you. You deserve it.
Fourth, get out your journal or start a journal. Write down all your thoughts. Scream, holler, cuss if you so choose and outline every single detail that’s bothering you about this situation: whether you’ve been wronged at work or you were blindsided or whatever. Write it down. Get it all out. It’s like vomit. It’ll keep coming until you’re done. When you’re done, read it and agree with everything you’ve said, it’ll make you feel better. Put it away.
Fifth, take a nap or do something special for yourself. I got my nails done but you could always do something else, but it has to be just for you only. You need to refill your love cup so you’ll have love to give others.
Sixth, go through your budget and see where you can cut back. First of all, take out that income so you see what you really have coming in. I know, its scary. Feel the fear and do it anyway. For me, I cut out my Stamps.com account. I haven’t been using it as much as I thought I would and so it was first to go. After that, look to see if you can defer any college loans or cut back on credit cards payments TEMPORARILY. Every little bit helps.
Seventh, cook a great dinner for the family. Something they love. They love you and doing something nice for them will make 
everyone feel good. I made rosemary chicken, crock pot roast beef, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and spinach. And besides, The Man will be the primary breadwinner until (and if) you go back to work so this is kind of a way to pay it forward. So do it. Maybe even give him a little sugar if he wants it (wink wink).
Eighth, update your resume. Start looking what’s out there and seeing if that’s the direction you still wanna go in or if you wanna try something new. By all means, line up some interviews if you can but be sure you know how you’re going to answer the “Why were you fired?” question without going all Oprah on the interviewer.
Ninth, try to enjoy the time off. Walk the dog. Pet the kitty. Clean the house. Bake some cookies. Write some letters or Christmas cards or do any of the things that you couldn’t do because you were working so so SO much outside the house!
I’ll post more as I learn it. Meanwhile, here’s this:
Do you have any tips to share?
Regarding Queen of Everything
Her highness is still queen of planet blortnick and also a MODEL.
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Such wonderful advice. I love the ones about filling your love cup and journaling your feelings. I think these tips reach far beyond losing a job. There are so many situations where your advice fits. Love it!
Jessi´s last [type] ..Taking Care of You: Getting Ready for the Holidays
thanks mama!
I agree, those are some great tips. I’m sorry you lost your job, that sucks. However, I’m glad you seem to be taking this so well. I like the napping and analyzing your budget.
Lindsay @ Laughing Lindsay´s last [type] ..Nutrisystem Success Chef Table Dinners Review #NSNation
Oh that just sucks! My husband has been laid off so many times it’s not even funny….He gives himself about a day to feel terrible and then he immediately starts looking for another job. Enjoy Christmas, and then I guess it’s back to looking for a new job?
So sorry it happened, but hope it goes alright for you and that you have a happy Christmas!
Carol-Anne´s last [type] ..Be-decking the Bathroom
Losing a job can be devastating but I love fresh starts and new beginnings so look forward. Something better is coming!
Cindy @MomMaven´s last [type] ..Holiday Guide 2011-Last Minute Gift Ideas-Build-a-Bear
thanks everyone! i’m looking at this as a fresh start to a new me (whatever that is)!
Wow super tips. I’m hearing that a lot of people are looking in different fields once they are let go from their job. Some are happier and making more money. So you never know what doors await for you until you have to start looking. thanks again for sharing!
Kelli´s last [type] ..GIVEAWAY: (Book) Gluten-Free Cupcakes by Elana Amsterdam
Well, best wishes for the fresh start. Maybe we can catch up next week!
Kate P´s last [type] ..Living Room Is ALMOST Clean Enough for Tree
i would LOVE to catch up. if only i could find your contact info. please TWEET ME!
Thank you for following – I’m following right back. The tureen would have been a thrilling find for me, you had good thrifting.
Very positive points in your post. Not great timing for losing a job was it? Sorry to hear about that.
Joy P´s last [type] ..Best Furniture Redo of 2011
but you know what? i’ve gotten to spend more time with the fam!
I love this advice. Very practical.
Hello Pam,
I have just discovered your site and had to leave a comment for two reasons. The first is your name – its the same as my sister’s Hurrah! and two, I am loving your blog header, very pretty.
Sorry to hear about the job loss but the New Year is almost upon us so I wish for great things for you.
Have a great 2012!
Victoria @ My Daily Cuppa´s last [type] ..Time for Reflection and New Years Resolutions
There are so few of us Pams, we all hafta stick together, do wish your sister the best from me! Thanks for the love, I’ve left you a little comment love too. Cheers!