Few things in a person’s life can compare to the helplessness and fear that sets in after losing a job. Don’t fret, though; all situations are temporary, and you will get through this stronger if you put the work in to move forward. So, pull up those bootstraps and check out these simple steps to follow after you lose your job to help you get ahead of the problem.

Maintain Healthy Habits

It’s common for people to retreat into their cave after losing a job. Your friends and family are there to support you, and embracing that support takes strength and courage.

It’s essential in times like these to remain proactive. Make sure that you still get up early and get ready in the morning. Find a reason to leave the house every day. A job can feel like your whole life at times, but it isn’t. So, don’t let losing it derail how you live.

Prepare for Job Interviews

Eventually, you need to start looking for another job. Besides the basic job prep tasks like updating your resume, there are some physiological questions you need to ask yourself. Think of your job loss as an opportunity to re-enter the workforce on your terms. Maybe you need a career change to find a job more suited to you? What are the values you look for in companies when applying? Finding a job that you enjoy will hopefully help you stay there longer.

Take Care of Your Finances

Your financial situation just drastically changed; you’ve lost your primary source of income. You must reexamine your entire financial situation. What assets do you have? What are your savings? How much are your monthly expenses?

If you have savings, you can dip into those as you try to make ends meet until you find your next job. However, if you don’t have savings built up, you’ll have to be more frugal. Consider finding a part-time or freelance job to have a temporary supplementary income.

Also, if you can’t pay your bills, contact creditors and your bank to let them know that you will be delinquent and why. They can put your loans into financial forbearance to avoid having to pay any late fees if they think it is a one-time problem. For drastic situations, you can eventually start thinking about filing for bankruptcy, or, if your house is about to foreclose, a short sale negotiator can help.

This is a moment in your life where you must handle your finances with great care. Please don’t ignore the problem; tend to it like a garden with weeds.

Control What You Can

Losing your job is something out of your control, but what happens after isn’t. It’s vital that you remain proactive and positively affect what you can in the coming days, weeks, or months.

Now that you’ve explored these simple steps to follow after you lose your job, you’re one step closer to turning this problem into an opportunity.