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How to Cope with Job Loss

Losing a job can be a devastating and unexpected experience. It can disrupt stability and force you to worry about things like paying the mortgage and maintaining health insurance coverage. In this difficult economy, those facing job loss or layoff are not alone. The U.S. Department of Labor reported an unemployment rate of 7.6% in January 2009, the highest percentage in fifteen years, with 11.6 million Americans unemployed. In 2008 alone, an estimated 2.6 million jobs were lost--the highest number seen since 1949.

Despite the grim statistics, there is help, and there are networks of support that can ease the situation. If you or someone you know is facing the prospect of job loss or layoff, use the opportunity to become informed about your options, understand your legal rights, and take steps to adapt to the changing times.

FindLaw's New "How to Cope with Job Loss" Feature offers tips on job loss-related topics like severance pay, unemployment compensation eligibility, safeguarding your health insurance, and maintaining financial stability. You'll also find links to resources that can help you take the first steps toward securing your next job.

• How to Cope with Job Loss (FindLaw)
• Your Rights When You Leave a Job (FindLaw)
• Losing a Job: 10 Things You Can Do to Make It Less Painful (FindLaw)
• Are You Eligible for Unemployment Compensation? (FindLaw)
• Post-Employment Insurance: Your Rights Under COBRA (FindLaw)
• Getting References That Will Help You Land a Job (FindLaw)

Full post as published by FindLaw's Common Law on February 17, 2009 (boomark / email).