For the past few days I have been trying to keep up as positive an attitude as possible, but my routine has been totally shot. Today, for the first time since Friday, I actually had a reason to get up and going at a reasonable time in the morning.

You know what? It felt good.

So, one thing I would suggest is to set up appointments that you will feel obligated to keep (even if they are just with friends) within a few days of your last day. This way you’ll have a reason to get up in the morning at a reasonable hour and get going. It’s way too easy to let the day slip completely by otherwise.

And no matter how well prepared you are, be ready to deal with the emotions of loss. Give yourself time to grieve, to shout, to punch a pillow – whatever you need to do.

And, since you are having such a long notice, use this time to gather as many references and letters of recommendations from the influential people around you.

I honestly don’t envy you having the notice. As painful as it was to be cut off from normal work life without warning, it was at least a quick tear. Kind of like when pulling a band aid off it’s better to do it quick instead of slow.

My husband was laid off twice right after my first child was born–twice in one year! Ultimately I learned to pray for guidance, and I learned that God will always provide a way. Somehow. And when his new job moved us hours away from any family, but we KNEW it was the place God wanted us, and we were scared to death over it, we quickly learned after settling down there that we were in the right place and we were strengthened b/c of it. I absolutely know how hard it is to endure, but I also absolutely know that you can get through it. Pray, girl!