Suddenly Laid Off and Jobless

Many people face layoffs or unemployment each year. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that either you or someone you know has been impacted by a layoff, reduced hours, or joblessness recently. If that is you, we want you to know that you are not alone, that God still has a plan for your life, and that Crossroads Career has tools and resources available to help you through this crossroads moment in your career. 

First Things First 

If you are eligible, don’t wait, Apply for Unemployment Benefits now. Finding your next job may take longer than you think. It also generally takes one to three weeks to get your first benefit check, so the sooner you apply, the better. 

Check out these 10 Tips for the Suddenly Unemployed for some encouragement on how to “survive the shock and bounce back like a star.” 

Crossroads Career has created a 7-step curriculum called “You Are Created for Good Works,” and it’s designed specifically to help you through the whole job search process. We want to help you hear God calling, maximize your potential, and get the right job. This 130-page workbook combines powerful biblical teaching with industry-standard human resources practices to prepare you to navigate your career crossroads. 

We also have curated over 100 resources for you. They are organized according to the 7 steps, but could be used separately from the curriculum and at any point along your journey.  

Start searching for jobs and preparing for interviews 

Among the job searching tools that we offer at CrossroadsCareer.org is our own job board that allows you to search over 700,000 jobs. You can also search the internet for jobs by zip codes and keywords (job titles, employers, skills) or use a national job search site such as Indeed.com, ZipRecruiter.com or LinkedIn.com. 

Use your time to practice and prepare for Online Job Interviews with these tips. While there are several different platforms employers may use for online interviews, one of the most popular is Zoom.US. Sign up free to host or join video conferences and online meetings so you can get familiar with this resource before it is necessary. This tool is also great for live networking or spending time with friends who are far away!

Take care of yourself and your relationships 

It’s easy when times get challenging to withdraw and experience anger, fear, anxiety or sadness. Here are a few steps you can take to combat those emotions. 

Join our Confidential Prayer Network. You can post a prayer request or a praise report, as well as pray anonymously for others.

Join one of our Online groups to connect with others who are in situations similar to yours.

Schedule a free 45 minute consultation with one of our experienced Crossroads Guides. They are there to listen to your situation and help you begin to navigate a path forward.

Remember to spend time with God. Check out this list of 11 different ways you can hear from or connect with God. He has everything you need to get through this difficult time. 

Don’t be afraid. Take courage. If you do find yourself facing fear or anxiety, you can pick up this devotional, Face the Fear to help you fight the good fight.

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Brian has been writing, speaking and connecting people to Christ in the workplace for 45 years. He is Co-Founder of Crossroads Career Services, former Chick-fil-A restaurants VP for Human Resources and Administration, and Owner of Primus Consulting executive search. He has authored Christian resources including Mastery of Leadership, Real Success at Work, and New Job Jump Start. Brian and his wife Kristy live in the Charlotte, NC area.