In April 2025, Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.9% – the highest in 5 months – with over 1.4 million Canadians actively looking for work (Wikipedia). If you’ve recently experienced a sudden job loss, you’re not alone. The good news is: You can take immediate and effective steps to regain control & survive unemployment. This article covers everything from financial survival after unemployment to career change planning and building a better resume for your next job search.
Assessing The Nature Of Your Unemployment
The first question that you need to answer is: “Is this unemployment temporary or permanent?”
If your employer has permanently closed or you’re seeking a new career after being laid off, your next steps will differ from those of someone waiting for a temporary callback.
Personal Finances
A common mistake after losing a job is delaying a lifestyle adjustment. In today’s uncertain economy, you could be without work for weeks … or even months.
If you were already living paycheque to paycheque, now is the time to cut back; This is important to survive unemployment. Start by reviewing your current spending habits and identify what can go. Separate your expenses into “must keep” (e.g., rent, groceries, and utilities) and “can pause” (e.g., subscriptions and entertainment).
Once you know your unemployment income sources (e.g., EI benefits, savings), assess whether you’ll need to supplement with side gigs or part-time work. Be aware that additional income may affect your benefits, so plan accordingly.
You might need to scale down even further by making minimum payments or selling unused items online through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Kijiji, or Varage Sale. Always prioritize safety when meeting buyers; choose public locations with surveillance and accept cash payments only where possible.
Avoid dipping into retirement accounts if you can – especially when the market is volatile. If you have a cash-value life insurance policy, it could offer emergency funds. (Remember, though: It’s a loan and you’ll owe interest).
If mortgage or loan payments are at risk, contact your lender. Debt forbearance programs may temporarily allow reduced or skipped payments. Some credit card providers even offer hardship options like reduced rates or deferred payments.
If you’ve opted into involuntary unemployment insurance on your credit cards, check whether your minimum payments can be covered during your layoff. Don’t wait—apply for these options early.
If It’s Time For a Career Change
This could be the perfect time to evaluate your career path. Have you considered starting a business? Would you like to finally pursue a career pivot after being laid off? This ‘survive unemployment’ break may be an opportunity in disguise.
What To Do Now
Without your normal work routine, your days can feel long and unproductive. Seize upon this opportunity to work on long-postponed projects and reflect on your goals. Where do you want to be one year from now? Five years from now?
Many affordable or free platforms offer online training for unemployed professionals:
• LinkedIn Learning
• Coursera
• Udemy
Courses in project management, tech skills, digital marketing, and more can be completed at your own pace, and help you survive unemployment. Many also offer job-relevant certifications that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile for a competitive edge.
Now is also a great time to upgrade your personal brand. A professionally-written resume can boost your visibility and give you an edge in a crowded job market. Resume writing experts (like us!) can craft the documents that increase the likelihood of securing interviews faster.
Also, make time for virtual support. Connect with friends and family through Zoom, FaceTime, or MS Teams. Your emotional well-being is critical to your recovery.
Finally, take care of your physical and mental health. Eat well, get enough sleep, move your body daily, and stay connected to your purpose.
Why Choose The Regency Group
When it comes to your career, you deserve a team that knows what they’re doing — and does it fast. At The Regency Group, we don’t just talk about experience and results—we deliver them, and we’ve been doing it for decades. Here’s why our clients have trusted us to help them put their best foot forward:
- We have faithfully served thousands and thousands of clients since 1985.
- We offer Canada’s only while-you-wait resume writing service. Why wait anywhere from 2-6 weeks to receive the first draft of your resume? By contrast, we will complete a “top-notch” resume and cover letter for you in mere hours!
- We sport the Province of Ontario’s first Certified Professional Resume Writer (there are – maybe – 2 dozen in Canada). This certification vows that we have exceeded the high standards associated with the resume writing industry and have mastered the craft of leading-edge resume preparation. We guarantee that you will receive primo service!
With hiring managers receiving hundreds of applications per job, a well-structured, keyword-optimized, and achievement-focused resume is essential to landing interviews. If you’re struggling to get noticed, don’t leave your career to chance — a professionally written resume can increase your chances of securing an interview by as much as 85%.
WANT TO STAND OUT AMONG POTENTIALLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER JOB APPLICANTS? Then call us at 905.841.7120, email marian@resumeexpert.ca, or complete the form on our contact page today. Let us help you take the next step in your career!
