Yes, You Can Bounce Back After Losing Your Job. Here’s How.

Give yourself time

Suddenly finding yourself unemployed from a layoff or because you missed the signs you might get fired can leave you sad and angry—not the best mindset when trying to make a good impression to potential employers—so don’t force yourself into the job hunt immediately. As long as you have the financial stability, taking time off to get through those emotions will help you cope, says business coach Susie Moore, author of What if it DOES Work Out? After all, there are benefits to crying. “Sometimes you need a bit of time to absorb the change, allow yourself to feel emotional, feel down,” she says. “Allow yourself a couple weeks to chill and be home and have a quality period to refuel and recharge.” To avoid the temptation to wallow on the couch for months, give yourself a deadline, she says. When that date hits, force yourself out of your funk whether you want to or not.