@Crazielady420,
As already suggested, update your resume and post it on job seeking sites.
Apply for unemployment as soon as you can.
Get the word out that you are looking for a job. You may not want to announce you're out of work, but it's a good thing to do. It gets other people looking for a job for you.
How many other employees are there at your office who are also out of work? Stay in touch with them after you leave. They won't pass a job they can get on to you, but wherever they land may need more new employees.
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your spirit up and not go into a funk. Losing your job is an emotionally traumatic experience and finding a new one is not fun and often scary.
First thing to realize is that it's not the end of the world. You've had a job for a while and you have skills. Eventually you will find another job. It could be next week or it could be next month, but there is government support to help tide you through and hopefully you have family and friends you can count on as well.
You only have to find one job.
Next thing to realize is that losing your job is not a reflection of your worth as a person, nor is being out of work. No body want to be one of "them," when "them" are folks on the unemployment line, but it happens to almost everyone at one time or another and you're far from alone.
Don't take a lot of time to start looking for your new job. Right now you are in shock and the last thing you may want to do is think about finding a new job, but the sooner you get looking the sooner you will find one. More importantly you will be keeping yourself occupied and less likely to sink into depression.
Easier said than done, but try and relax this weekend. If you're someone who best deals with stress by connecting with people and talking, do that. Visit friends or family. Go out to dinner (you're not in the Poor House just yet). If on the other hand you deal best with stress by turning inward, do that. Read a book, watch old movies or take the dog for a long walk in the park.
On Monday get up at the same time you would have if going to work. Go through whatever your normal morning ritual may be and get dressed. It may be tempting to stay in your pjs and in bed, but don't do it.
Instead of going to work, sit down at your computer and start polishing the resume and searching for job sites. I don't know what your profession is but generally employment agencies specialize in certain industries. Find the ones that fit your profession and not only search the openings they've posted, but see if they accept resumes up front.
Go to corporate websites. Often they post employment openings.
Try and spend a significant amount of time each day looking for a job which includes networking by phone or e-mail. I don't think anyone can spend 8 hours a day 5 days a week job hunting, but do all that you can so that you
feel that you've done all that you can and can leave it to luck, fate, God or whatever other force you think has a say in directing our lives..
Set goals for youself concerning what job you want and what sacrifices you are willing to make. For instance, you may want to keep your commuting time down, or not have to relocate, or you may not want to accept less than you were making or a postion of less status. Hopefully you will find the perfect job in no time at all, but you should start thinking about what is most important to you and what you're willing to trade to have it, so that if it takes longer than you expect you'll have a plan B. You can always keep looking for the perfect job while working at your second choice. It's a lot less stressful looking for a job when you have one then when you don't
Take a close look at your finances and figure out what spending you can easily cut and what you can trim, Figure out how much money you have to have to keep your house, your kids fed etc, set a reasonable budget and stick to it. Obviously your finances can easily be the source of a lot of stress when you're out of work so keep a tight handle on them.
Consider temp or contract work or whether or not this is a good time to try something entirely different. A lot depends on your personal circumstances but give change some real thought. There may never be a better time to do it.
If you had health insurance through your employer you will be entitled to continue it via COBRA. It will cost you more and I'm not sure if there is a time limit (if there is it's pretty long) but at least you won't have to worry about requalifying for a new plan. Your HR person has information on this and a lot of other related issues. Make sure you get what you need from him or her. Ask about accrued vacation time and sick leave as well as company life insurance and 401K plans you might have enrolled in.
If you have qualifications and are diligent in looking for a new job, you will find one, and when you do you may find that losing this one was the best thing that ever happened to you.
If the time comes that you are feeling depressed or overhwhelmed reach out to those in whatever support group you have.
Stay positive, stay focused, and stay busy.
All the best.
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