One of the most crushing things to happen in any person’s life is to lose his or her job. Fired, laid off or you simply quit, it can kill the confidence you’ve been building up since childhood. But fret not, for although these are trying times (credit crunch hello), there are a couple of ways you can deal with the situation and get through this at minimum damage.

First off, repeat this mantra: you are not your job. Losing your job does not mean losing your life. It may feel like the end of the world, but seriously, remember when you were a kid and your team lost that all-crucial baseball game? Felt like apocalypse right? Guess what, you’re still alive and kicking; you still have that lovely brain of yours. There is still hope. Take comfort in what happened to Steve Jobs. He got fired from the company he founded and years later rehired - the rest is history.

Second, assuming that you’ve got the right funds set up or you still have money left from your separation/last pay, now is the time to start your own business. Scare yourself a little. Get your feet wet in the entrepreneurial pool. "The greatest reward in becoming a millionaire is not the amount of money that you earn. It is the kind of person that you have to become to become a millionaire in the first place - Jim Rohn." This business of yours may or may not succeed, but just imagine how much experience you’ve gained!

Third, travel or even better, relocate. I know a man who lost his job and almost everything that came with it. With the support of his wife, and his kids, they relocated to an agricultural province, built a home from an old trailer truck and now stand to gain a lucrative contract from McDonalds for fresh produce. Traveling on the other hand has more benefits than just relaxing; you gain new perspective, and see what’s outside your world. Who knows? You just might meet the right kind of people who can help you start your business.

Fourth, go back to school. Education at this stage in your life has never sounded better. You’ll acquire new skills and maybe even shift your career entirely. Also, who doesn’t love the feeling of being a college kid all over again?

Fifth, Volunteer. Whether it’s for the red cross, an animal shelter, or any advocacy you can think of, volunteerism is a good way to boost up your wavering confidence. The feeling of helping other people or getting passionate about a cause can do wonders for the soul, plus give you the opportunity to meet new people (network network!).

I know how it feels to lose a job - I quit from a job I loved (but my boss was a wreck) and instead of losing my mind, I opted to lose the job. Currently unemployed, I am still playing around with the last 3, and seriously considering the 2nd. I mean, what’s there to lose right? How about you? What other tips can you share to people like me who lost their job? (aside from getting a new one!)