Preparing for a Possible Layoff

Updated on July 27, 2021

If you think your employer could be headed in the direction of a workforce reduction, there are things you can do to help prepare yourself and your budget for a potential job loss. Read below for tips on what to do if you’re expecting to be laid off from your job.

Manage Your Finances

If you think you might lose your job, you’re probably feeling pretty stressed out. That’s understandable. But being stressed out can make it difficult to make well-thought-out financial decisions. Try not to think too far down the road. Instead, focus on what’s immediately in front of you and look for areas where you can control what’s happening.

• Review your budget (or make one) – You must know how much money goes out each month for expenses like housing (rent or mortgage, utilities, etc.) and loan payments. A new expense you would need to account for if you are laid off is health insurance. If your employer provides health insurance, you may be eligible to continue that coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, known as COBRA. With COBRA, you’re required to pay the full premiums, if you weren’t already doing so. Review your pay stubs to determine what you’re currently paying, or ask your HR department.

If COBRA isn’t an option, you may be able to find coverage through Pennsylvania’s healthcare exchange, provided through the federal Affordable Care Act. You can shop for plans on healthcare.gov. It’s important to get to a realistic premium figure to add to your budget.

• Start or continue adding to an emergency fund – Ideally, you have enough in savings to cover three to six months of expenses. If you don’t have an emergency fund, now might not seem like the best time to start one since you’re concerned about losing your job. Yet, it is possible. Make cuts now on things like streaming services and put that money into your fund. Every little bit helps. Put all monies spent elsewhere into that emergency fund, so that it can provide you with assistance if and when the time comes.
• Talk to your creditors – If a layoff seems imminent, be sure to contact those you owe right away to learn about options available to you, like delayed payments or reduced interest rates. Just keep in mind that almost every option for delaying payments is just that – a delay. You’re still obligated to repay your loans.

Find Your Next Job

Start thinking about where you could find employment today and how you could fit into the future economic landscape.

• Keep job search documents up to date – Updating your resume is a given. While you’re still employed and have access to them, print off any performance reviews, work samples, and other documents like praise emails that reflect the value you bring.
• Explore jobs and job-hunting resources – Creating an account with PaCareerLink connects you with employment information and job-hunting resources. Brush up on your interviewing skills, either on your own or through services available at your school. Many offer activities like mock interviews to both current students and graduates.
• Consider a new line of work – A layoff could give you a unique opportunity to consider a completely different field or industry that requires specialized training. You may be able to find free courses online that can familiarize you with the field you’re considering.

By acting on the steps above and keeping a positive attitude, you’ll be ready in case you face reduced hours or a job loss. For more articles and resources to help you make the most of your money by visit our WalletWorks page.