After Losing a Job, What to do?

If you have been laid off or lost your job, there are steps you can take to get back on your feet.

The most important thing to do if you have lost your job is to take action. The United Way’s HelpLink can help. Contact the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or by calling 937-225-3000. The United Way offers confidential advice and referrals 24 hours-a-day. They can provide information on dislocated workers and what to do when there is no longer a paycheck.
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You should compile a household budget with your fixed expenses like your mortgage, rent, taxes or any other monthly income that will remain constant; variable payments like gasoline, food, utilities and childcare; future expenses like property taxes and credit payments.  Set priorities. Make a list of what bills need to be paid first. The highest should be either the mortgage or rent, followed by utilities, health insurance, car payments and alimony or child support.

If you have credit card debt, it is important that you still make your monthly payment. Make sure that you pay at least the minimum payment. It is important to talk to the creditors before you get behind and offer some sort of alternate payment schedule to show that you will pay and are trying to pay. Make sure you keep a copy of all correspondence with them for your records.

Looking for a job may be hard to do at this time, but it is important to start looking as soon as possible. You should figure out the sort of job that you enjoy and are good at, what skills you have, and about a salary. This information must be applied to your job search so you can find a satisfactory replacement job.

Talk to your union about finding a new job or any benefits that you might be entitled to.

Find help locating a new job.

Learn how to write a resume.