1. First things first: Don’t panic!

Losing your job is stressful, but you’re not alone! We’re all in this together, which means that everyone understands if you’re struggling to make ends meet, or if you need some extra help along the way.

If you’re struggling to pay rent talk to your real estate agent by following the advice from the Renters’ Guide to COVID-19.

If you have a mortgage, talk to your bank to have your payments deferred. You can find more information about mortgage deferral and how your bank can support you by reading this article from Canstar.

If you’re having trouble paying your bills, talk to your provider about reducing your payments temporarily. Find out what utility and internet companies are offering help with financial hardship here. The key is communication.

 

2. Research your safety net options

Right now, there are lots and lots of safety nets in place to get you through. If you’re not sure where to begin, the ASIAL website is a great resource which shows what each State Government is offering in terms of support. These include government rebates, utility concessions, and other support packages.

 

3. Apply for financial support

Some people make the mistake of putting off applying for Centrelink when times are tough, hoping they’ll be able to get back into work before they need to access support, but it’s best to apply sooner rather than later, so that if there are delays or errors you have time to sort them out before things get dire.

 

4. Protect your mental health

The Australian Government has invested a lot of money into mental health support, so make sure you’re taking advantage of services such as Head to Health if you’re struggling with your mental health. Alternatively, Beyond Blue is another great place to start if you need a helping hand.

 

5. Use your time well

If you’ve lost your job, the one thing you’ll have a lot of right now is time. Setting some goals for what you’d like to achieve is a great way to stay motivated. You could start preparing for your job search by updating your resume and for instance, or learn how to answer interview questions. We have a range of free templates available here to help you freshen up your job application, including resume templates, cover letter templates, elevator pitch templates, and a daily planner.

If you’re interested in upskilling, TAFE Australia is offering a host of free courses during this time — you can see what’s available here. Udemy is another platform offering a variety of free courses — including programming, photography, design, and much more — available here.

 

Get external support from a team who believes in you

If you feel lost in your employment journey or would like some additional support in your job search, the team at CoAct can help. Contact us today to find out how we can get you on the path to success.

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