When people learn that they are about to lose their jobs, they experience a wide range of emotions. Reactions can include sadness, anger, fear, numbness, and shame. Experiencing these emotions is normal.

Job loss, like any loss, means letting go of something valuable. Job loss is considered a major life event not unlike the death of a loved one, divorce, or serious injury. It's painful, shocking, and depressing. Don't be surprised if you go through all five stages of grief as defined by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, author of On Death and Dying:

1. Denial (this isn't happening to me!)
2. Anger (why is this happening to me?)
3. Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...)
4. Depression (I don't care anymore)
5. Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes)

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Try not to panic.
When you get the official notice, take a deep breath and sit down. Once you have had some time to sort through the events surrounding your job loss, you will (more than likely) find that several mechanisms are in place which will ease the trauma of your transition. If you're laid off, you should be entitled to unemployment benefits, possible severance pay, and, in most major corporations, career transition services. You can also check your state government agencies to see if they have dislocated worker services which can help you with emergency services including paying a mortgage, electrical or automotive loan payment. This varies from state to state, so please check with the state Labor Department in which you live.