Alexa Tapia of the National Employment Law Project (NELP) spells out what your next moves should be.
1 hour ago
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Amid such unsteady economic times, it's entirely possible you'll find yourself facing a layoff. It's an unsettling situation no one ever wants to be in, especially when you have a family to feed and bills to pay. So, if you do lose your job, how can you keep your family protected — and your mental health in check — as you dust off your resume and prepare to find another job?
Start simple, says Alexa Tapia, the unemployment insurance campaign coordinator at National Employment Law Project (NELP). "Take a slow, deep breath. Being laid off can feel overwhelming and scary. This can be even harder for women — especially women of color — who often bear the brunt of caretaking while simultaneously facing a discriminatory labor market."
Tapia, who says she's been in this boat as a single parent, offers several steps you can take to make this transitional period as smooth and painless as possible.
"First, ask your employer to provide the terms of your layoff in writing," says Tapia. "If you have one, check your employment agreement or union contract to see what you're entitled to (i.e., severance and benefits), for how long, and any additional information." Companies are not legally required to provide any severance unless it explicitly says so in your employment agreement and/or union contract. You'll want...
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