Getting laid off or dismissed from service is one of the worst nightmares of every working adult. While you may diligently perform your functions, circumstances outside of your control may lead to you losing your job. It could be for financial reasons, because of a manager out to get you, or a global pandemic. While this is not the general rule, undoubtedly, some employers just think that their employees are dispensable members of a totally replaceable workforce. More so, there are cases where employees get injured and are fired when they return to work. That got them asking, “Can I be laid off while on workers compensation”
This is why employees should always be vigilant in protecting their rights. Though the laws are generally in favor of the workforce, it’s always better to protect your own interests and know your local laws. Aside from that, it’s also essential for employees to learn how to save and invest. Cliche as it may sound but it’s true that you have to save for the rainy days. When you get wrongfully terminated, you can fight your case and win in court, however, that may take time. You need to survive and pay your bills while fighting your legal battle.
Save as much as you can
Whether you’re fully-employed, in danger of getting terminated or are thinking of resigning, you need to save money that would last you two to three months of being unemployed. This means that you need to have enough money to pay for your bills and leave comfortably for two to three months. This will give you a reasonable time to fight your cause and look for another job.
Saving up for this moment in your life should start the moment you took the job. If you save even a little of your monthly income, over time, you’ll see that you’ll have enough money to cover for emergency expenses. You can also invest what you save monthly to grow it passively.
Check your benefits and claim it
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, the right to do is to fight for your rights. You can ask the help of a labor lawyer to establish your causes of action. However, if the company implemented a legal lay-off, then, the soundest option there is to accept the decision and move on by looking for better job opportunities. Before you leave, check what benefits you can claim.
If you’re not fully aware of all your benefits, you can speak with your company Human Resources Department (HRD) and talk about the following:
- Ask for your severance pay, along with your eligibility for unemployment insurance, pension benefits, sick and overtime pay, and accrued vacation. If you didn’t lose your job because of your fault and you satisfy all the eligibility requirements, then there’s no reason why you can’t receive unemployment compensation.
- Since severance packages are negotiable in most cases, take this chance to ask for more than the company’s standard offer.
- Request your HRD for information on how you can continue with your life and health insurance benefits.
- Check for options wherein you can handle your own 401(k) pension plan.
- Inquire about any outplacement resources and request for a reference letter.
Plan your job search
To get back on your feet, you need to find another job immediately. But before that, check if you can claim unemployment benefits from your state. This will help augment your savings to pay for your monthly expenses. The benefit can also help get you ready for another chapter of your life.
If you can’t find a full-time job immediately, you can consider freelancing, part-time gigs, or a temporary position in the meantime. The money you’ll get from these gigs can help you survive until you land another full-time and better-paying job. If you’re gutsy, you can even start your own startup business. There are companies that grant loans for those who want to start a business.
Getting fired is not something an employee would wish for, however, if it’s inevitable, you must know that it’s not the end of the world. With a little bit of sacrifice, a conscious effort to get employed, and a decent amount of savings, you can get through the unemployment phase unscathed.