Getting fired happens. It’s a fact of life. Sometimes it can open new doors for you, other times it’s a disaster. Either way, if you find yourself out on the street, you’ve got plenty of options.

Here are five things to do if you get fired.

1.  Don’t Panic

Keep your emotions in check. If you left your previous job under a black cloud, yelling and screaming at the universe is not going to accomplish anything. Get it out of your system if you have to, but plant your feet firmly on the ground and get your brain working for you. Panicking accomplishes absolutely nothing except stressing out you and your loved ones. Take a step back and focus on the rest of the items on this list.

2. Know Where You Stand Legally

The first thing to do is to clearly understand why you were let go. Was it legal? Or did your boss simply have it in for you. If you were fired without a valid reason, you might want to consider legal action. However, if your termination was justified, then you need to know why. Did it have to do with your performance? Was it simply cost cutting? Find out. If it’s something you did, you can correct it before you start your next job.

3. Take Action

Moping may have its attractions but feeling sorry for yourself is counterproductive. Get moving. If you haven’t updated that CV, now’s the time. Get the paperwork in for any government assistance you are entitled to. Also take some time to think about your next career move. Do you want similar work or is it time to go in a new direction? Start checking the want ads right away. Use all of the resources that the 21st Century provides. Taking action will chase away the blue birds as you master your destiny.

4. Adjust Your Living Expenses

Start cutting back. Don’t go on living the way you’re used to with the idea that you’ll find a new job right away. You can’t count on that, but you can count on going broke if you don’t start pinching pennies. Living frugally for awhile has its benefits. Not only will your funds stretch longer, you’ll discover what you can live without. Sacrificing now will make that first pay check at your new job all the sweeter and you’ll savor going out and celebrating.

5. Keep the Cash Flow Flowing

If you’re someone who has been working a steady job for years, you may be convinced that bringing money in without a salary is impossible. It isn’t. Start selling things on eBay. Have a yard sale. See if that neighbor still wants that lawnmower he kept bugging you about. Haul your unwanted books to a second hand bookstore. Take a temporary part time job while you’re looking for work in your field. You won’t get rich, but you’ll keep some cash coming in.

This article was written by Andrew Salmon. He writes for LifeCover.ca: a life insurance website based in Vancouver, BC.

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