We're passionate about supporting you to Stay Amazing through the loss of a job. We've not only been there ourselves, but we've helped hundreds of people like you to survive, and in 2009 we published a book about how we, and others around the world have survived. Here are our top 10 Tips;

1. Keep Your Cool - it's normal to have a whole raft of emotions when you hear the news. Relief that you're finally able to leave, panic at how you're going to pay the bills, horror about what people might say, fear about what happens next.  Let yourself have all these feelings, and talk to your GP if things get too bad.
2. Don't take it Personally - unless you really have sat around doing nothing during your career (unlikely, because you're amazing!), then this isn't about you. It might be about your skills though, or maybe even your attitude, so check that both get a gold star.
3. Get Professional Support - there are people out there who are trained to help you.  They are experienced at helping you get through this, find a new job, create a killer CV and get back into the market. Contact them right away - in fact you might even get your (former) employer to pay.
4. Lay the Foundations - use the resources that are there just for you. Check your financial situation using the Sorted website, use support from the ReStart programme, check that everything is in order before you move on.
5. Get Structured - have a structure to your day to prevent a desire to stay in bed or watch crap TV all day.  Get fresh air and exercise every day.  Meet a friend that makes you feel amazing. Get up at the same time.
6. Take your Time - if you are financially able to do so, look for the RIGHT job, not the FIRST job. People with kids tell us that they took time to really enjoy time with their children that they wouldn't have had if they kept their job.  We think that's worth more than money.
7. Be Flexible - don't just go for the same thing again, consider what that industry is doing to make sure you're not just walking into something else that you're going to get laid off from.  Consider a part time job, or a contract...or moving to a different city.  Not all of these things will be possible - but don't write them off too soon.
8. Take Action - DO SOMETHING and don't just expect a job to come to find you.  Sitting in front of Seek is not enough, you have to get out there, check your CV is amazing, make sure you're hot in interviews, grow your networks, check your personal brand
9. Tell People - get in touch with everybody you know (even through social networking sites) and ask them to help you. If the shoe was on the other foot you'd help them right? Even if you just got in touch to say you're sorry, and tell them that your mate Barry might be able to put them in touch with somebody...you never know where it will lead.
10. Stay Positive - easier said than done on some days sure, but spend time with people who will help you see the positive stuff that you still have in your life...don't stay in the negative, it never did anybody any favours.

If you want more...or for tools and resources to help you just get in touch with us - or check out our book How to Keep Your Cool if You Lose Your Job (Longacre Press/Random House 2009)