Being laid off from your job can turn your world upside down. The insecurity of worrying about income, health insurance and the loss of routine can make you feel like you are spinning out of control.

Sometimes though, being between jobs might provide you with a time to stop, take a deep breath and assess your career plan. Do you want to rush back into the same type of job? Do you like the field in which you work? Is there something you have always wanted to do or learn?

Utilizing tools like journaling or meeting with a career counselor can help you discern what might be the next best step for you. Many colleges offer their alumni lifetime career services, including career testing that can help you determine your strengths and interests. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, career development professionals can assist you with the how as well. They offer resume writing support, interview practice and job search strategies.

Another area they are experts in is helping you determine if you need more education to pursue your desired career path. Using the time when you are out of work to earn a new certification or pursue a graduate degree might be the best way for you to achieve your career goals.

If you choose to return to school, Daemen University offers flexible, hybrid and online post-baccalaureate certificates and graduate degrees designed for people with busy lives. So, when the economy opens back up and you land that great job, you won’t have to quit your grad program. You will already be a step ahead in your coursework and be able to finish your degree while you are working!

There are many resources that are available to you when you are unemployed, reach out to your alumni career center, look for online resources like the Balance or the Muse, or access your local labor department resources. The most important thing you can do is start to make a plan and remember that education is one of the best investments you can make.