Consider writing down important notes so you can remember them later. Ask your employer to clarify something if you’re not sure what they mean or what they said.
Ask your employer if you are being fired or laid off. There is a big difference, especially when it comes to collecting benefits and when you go to look for a new job. Do not get angry if the answers you get are unsatisfactory. Make a note of the reasons they give you for your termination.
Focus on leaving the meeting with pride and dignity. Don’t damage your reputation with your coworkers or your former employer by getting angry or violent. You don’t want to jeopardize any future jobs you could get. Stay calm and keep a cool head.
You need to know this information definitively, so ask something like, “Do you plan to take back your pension contributions?” Don’t leave any mystery about it.
Look over the entire document yourself to make sure your employer isn’t trying to get away with anything. Have a lawyer review the severance paperwork to make sure it’s acceptable. If you’re happy with the terms and the amount of the severance, then sign it.
For example, you could ask your employer to tell your coworkers that you were laid off instead of fired. It’s important for you to know what your employer may say to any potential future employers so you can decide if you want to list them as a reference.
End the meeting by thanking them for their time and a firm handshake. Ask if you can list them as a professional reference.
Pack up your belongings in a large box so you can carry as much as possible and don’t need to make multiple trips. Don’t take any company property so you can’t be accused of theft. If you were fired and asked to leave immediately, your belongings will likely be mailed to you. Make mental note about all of your belongings so you can make sure you get everything when they’re delivered to you.
Turn to your family for guidance. If you have a son or daughter who is able to help you make ends meet, you may be able to take early retirement. Don’t deal with it alone. Talk to your partner or a therapist about the emotions that you’re dealing with.
For example, if you had a retirement plan with your former employer in the form of a 401(k), they cannot take away any of the money you contributed to the plan. A lawyer will also be able advise you about whether or not your termination was lawful.
Because you were fired before you retired, you may be eligible for certain benefits and programs that are designed to help older workers. For example, being fired in your 60s means that you’re eligible to take withdrawals from your IRA or 401(k) without any penalties or fees. You can use the money to help pay bills or to boost your savings to fund your retirement. A financial advisor can help you organize your finances and create a plan to help you deal with the unexpected firing. [13] X Expert Source Jennifer Landis-Santos, PCC, NBHWCCertified Career Counselor & Wellness Coach Expert Interview. 6 April 2022.
Apply as soon as you can. The process can take some time, so you don’t want to delay. Unless you were fired for serious misconduct or you quit without a good reason, you should be able to collect unemployment to help make ends meet. If you are denied, request a hearing to have the office review your information more closely to make a determination.
Notify your insurance company that you were fired and request a COBRA election notice that you can complete and return to apply for COBRA. You can get health insurance even if you are unemployed.
Only file for Social Security as a last resort if you haven’t reached the full retirement age. You can collect Social Security and unemployment benefits at the same time. However, you may receive a reduced amount from unemployment if you have outside income, which can include Social Security.
Only file for Social Security as a last resort if you haven’t reached the full retirement age. You can collect Social Security and unemployment benefits at the same time. However, you may receive a reduced amount from unemployment if you have outside income, which can include Social Security.
Be sure to highlight your experience and list reliable references. Look online to compare your resume to examples that you find. It may have been a while since you’ve applied for a job, so you don’t want your resume to look outdated or not formatted in the current fashion. Do not mention the reason you left your former workplace unless you’re asked by a potential employer.
Since most of these folks probably know the company you used to work for, you may want to be candid about your termination. They may be more sympathetic than other companies.
Part of the beauty of contract work is you can accept or reject any offers and set your own hours.
Don’t take a scatter-gun approach and apply for every open position that you find. Instead, focus on positions that match your skill set and experience. [22] X Research source Upload your resume to your account so you can easily send it to potential employers.
Focus on your strengths, which will include your experience and professional relationships in the industry. Show that you’re willing to adapt and learn new technologies and procedures.
