Since the COVID-19 pandemic, work has changed forever. Some new jobs have become essential, and many jobs that were previously essential are disappearing or changing. As a result, many people are losing their jobs. Many people are asking us, “I lost my job — now what?”
If you have recently been laid off or terminated, you may feel a lot of anxiety. This is very normal. Jobs provide tremendous stability to our lives. Obviously, they are important for our financial well-being. After losing a job, you may face significant worry about how you will take care of yourself or your family. Additionally, jobs provide a sense of purpose and direction, and they help give structure to our days. Even if we don’t realize it, job loss can often bring with it a lack of structure that causes great stress, only adding to the financial anxiety.
If you have recently experienced job loss, don’t panic. We’re here to help!
I Lost My Job — Now What?
You may be considered a dislocated worker and be eligible for training and job placement resources provided by SEMCA Michigan Works! The Information Center works closely with SEMCA on a regular basis. SEMCA is a 501(c)(3) Michigan Non-profit Corporation that administers various human services programs in Monroe County and Wayne County.
You may be considered a dislocated worker if you have been laid off or received a layoff notice from a job, are receiving unemployment benefits, were self-employed but are no longer employed due to economic conditions, or are a displaced homemaker.
If you are a dislocated worker, you may be eligible for the WIOA Title I Dislocated Worker program. WIOA stands for the “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act”, which is a piece of United States legislation designed to help the national workforce.
Getting in touch with SEMCA Michigan Works! is a great next step.
I Lost by Job and I Need Additional Training
If you are a dislocated worker, you may need to alter your career path or get additional training to find new employment opportunities. This is exciting, because it may open doors for you that you would never have considered before becoming dislocated.
SEMCA provides many different training opportunities, including:
- Resume writing workshops. During these workshops, SEMCA staff can help you
- Individual employment planning. SEMCA can help you create an individualized plan for your next employment steps.
- Counseling. Counseling can help you take on your anxiety, form healthy mental patterns, and get your head back in the game.
- Short-term pre-vocational skills. Learning pre-vocational skills can help you prepare for a new career.
I Lost by Job and I Need to Search for a New One
When you’re ready to look for a new job, SEMCA can help.
- Job search. SEMCA can help you find a new job at one of their American Job Centers or online.
- Out of area job search. Even if you’re looking for a job outside of your current living area, SEMCA can help.
- Relocation assistance. If you have found a new job out of town, SEMCA can help you face all the challenges that moving brings.
- Internship and work experience. If you need experience to get a better job, you may need to spend some time at an internship, or at an entry-level job to gain experience.
SEMCA also hosts many virtual job fairs. To see all of SEMCA’s events, you can visit their event calendar.
Getting Started With Your New Life
If you have recently lost your job, it is normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Most people lose a job at least once in their life, and this is something that you will get through. Take a deep breath, and reach out to the resources around you. Semca Michigan works can provide valuable services that can help you receive training for your new position.
Remember, losing your job may start out as a bad thing, but it could end up being one of the greatest opportunities of your life.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with SEMCA here:
