Losing a job can be a life-changing occurrence, both for the good and the bad. It can force you to examine your life and make positive changes for the future; however, it can also mean that you suffer financially, and that you are left with low self-esteem and insecurities as a result.
When you have been terminated from your job, you may begin to question whether this move was a legal one on behalf of your employer. You should also make sure that you know all of your rights as a terminated employee.
You are likely to be eligible for unemployment compensation
In the time between becoming unemployed to the day that you start a new job, you are probably eligible for unemployment compensation. Unemployment compensation is available to all unemployed workers seeking employment as long as their employment was not terminated because of misconduct, and they earned over a certain amount.
Take advantage of your continued health care
If you had health care coverage as part of your previous employment, then you have the right to continue it for up to 18 months. This must still be paid for; however, it is likely to be a lower cost than other premiums.
Know when your termination was not legal
An employer cannot legally terminate any employee if it is for discriminative reasons such as gender, race, nationality or disability. Similarly, an employer cannot terminate an employee in retaliation for a complaint that he or she made.
If you believe that you may have been wrongfully terminated from your job, it is important to have a reason for why you believe you were terminated.
Source: FindLaw, “Ten Ways to Handle Losing a Job,” accessed Feb. 07, 2018