Being told to pack up your desk is one of life’s harshest blows. These take-control strategies from some of the country’s top career experts will ensure that the road ahead is a smooth one.

Dealing On D-Day

Don’t Burn Bridges
Who hasn’t fantasised about giving the boss the finger? The fact is, most of your future employment options will stem from this job, whether through connections, contract work or recommendations. “As hard as it is to do, try to make it easy on your boss,” says career expert Nicole Williams, author of Earn What You’re Worth. “I’ve had to lay people off, and it sucks. But if you respond with grace and dignity, I’ll call every person I know to try to help you. And I’ll want to hire you back later if possible.”

Shut Down The Water Works
No one will begrudge you a few tears, but hold back on the “why me?” routine, Williams says. And don’t blab about financial difficulties. Not only is it not very dignified, but you’re also tipping your hand that you’re desperate, which puts you in a weak position when it comes to severance pay or freelance work later.

Ask If There’s Some Other Option
It’s possible that management hasn’t thought of alternative solutions, such as shifting you to a four-day work week or having you work from home to save on overhead costs.

Find Out What They’ll Give You To Go Away
Ask about severance packages and review company policies or contracts to find out if you’re entitled to anything, says career coach Cynthia Shapiro, author of What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?. Sadly, unless you have a contract that specifies it, companies aren’t required to give you any parting gifts. But if they do offer a separation package, you can negotiate – for example, by asking for extended health insurance in addition to a cash payout. And enquire about being paid for unused leave days, too.

Take Your Time
HR may be pushing you to sign papers while your head is still spinning. Feel free to ask for a few days to review your severance package and any other documents, such as a separation agreement that waives your rights to sue the company. Don’t sign anything with a “restraint of trade” – this means the company is barring you from working for their competition for a certain amount of time, which probably shoots down your best option for immediate employment, Shapiro says. If you really don’t like or understand what you see, have a lawyer look it over.

The Days After

File For Unemployment
Don’t be embarrassed – you’re entitled to that money. Every month a percentage of your salary is deducted and put into an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). This is your money that has been kept aside for you in case you lose your job. But apply for your UIF immediately. “Unemployment offices are overwhelmed,” Shapiro says. “You can’t count on that money right away.”

Seek Coverage
Since Murphy’s Law dictates that you’ll break your arm the day after your medical aid runs out, try to stay covered even after you lose your job. If your medical aid is directly affiliated with your previous place of employment, get onto an external medical aid scheme immediately. If your company was contributing to an external medical aid, stay on it even though you’re paying for it yourself. If you’re really short of cash, downgrade to more moderate coverage such as a hospital plan, says former Old Mutual insurance broker Dane Goodwin.

Protect Your Retirement Funds
Although your retrenchment is probably leaving you financially wanting, don’t give in to the temptation to cash in your retirement fund. As much of a godsend this windfall of cash may seem to be, cashing it in will cost you a lot in tax. According to Goodwin, you could lose a large portion of what your employer has contributed over the years. The best option? Reinvest the sum in a retirement plan independent of your employer.

Take Care Of Yourself
During this rough time, focus on SEED: Sleep, Eat, Exercise and Drink (water), says Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier and the website www.first30days.com. “When you go through any change, these are the four things that go out the window,” she says. “If you don’t know what to do right now, focus on your health. It’s the best commitment you can make to yourself.” Although you may want to do nothing but watch Judge Judy all day, keep up with your hobbies and social activities too. They’ll help boost your mood – and they could be great networking opportunities as well.

Craft Your Story
People are going to ask you what happened, and you’ll have a choice to make: cast yourself as the victim and tear the company to shreds, or say, “Hey, I had a good run. It’s time for something new,” De Bonvoisin says. Putting a positive spin on the situation will help you feel better and keep you motivated to start over. And you’ll show others that you’re mature enough to handle adversity without bitterness, which will make them more inclined to help you.

Hit The Classifieds
It’s fine to take a few days off, to calm down and figure out what types of jobs you want to pursue. But set a specific date for getting back out there, says Williams, “because one week can turn into two weeks, then a month.” Even if you’re not ready to send out your CV, you can plug in your criteria on job-search engines like www.bizcommunity.com and www.careers24.com, and sign up for email notifications when positions become available so you can see what’s out there.

Spread The Word
Call, email or Facebook everyone in your sphere and let them know you’re looking. “My first business investor was my next-door neighbour,” Williams says. “Before I struck up a conversation, I never would have guessed he could help me.”

Set Goals
Your number-one goal is to get a job, but setting smaller targets will help keep you on track. Business consultant Keith Ferrazzi, author of Who’s Got Your Back?, suggests setting weekly objectives, such as “I will meet with four contacts this week” or “I will sign up for a class.” This reinforces your sense of accomplishment, even if you haven’t found a job. “And most of all, keep reminding yourself what a tremendous opportunity this is to redefine what’s next for you,” he says.