Here's how to... cope with losing your dream job and start working towards a new career

Career. Employment. Job. Money. Lifestyle. When it comes to our employment status it can be looked at like baking a cake. As any keen cook will know, when making a cake you need all the ingredients and everything has to be just right or you face serving up a floppy flan or broken brownie. Because like that cake, if you don't have a job - let alone a career - then in my opinion you have a very limited lifestyle. It's like an ingredient is missing.

I found this out the hard way when I lost my job last week.

After the initial shock I'm not ashamed to say the tears flowed. I was left with the feeling that losing your job is scary, far more scary than I'd ever thought. It's definitely not like The Sims. It isn't a game. Because you have no money, no job, no career, bills to pay, and more than likely your self esteem has been ripped to shreds.

It's easy to think you weren't good enough, or you didn't work hard enough, that perhaps you should have put in more overtime, or that you'll never be at the top of the ladder. Not to mention losing friends you worked with day in day out for weeks, months and sometimes years.

So. After a day of moping around the house and licking my wounds I needed a game plan. After all, I have a mortgage and bills to pay. And sadly, I am one of the unfortunate ones who doesn't have a trust fund or lives with family. So, here's how my week panned out.

Day One: Update CV

I spent a total of six hours updating and perfecting my CV. While updating my resume, I was drawn back in to all my previous jobs - the good and bad - and it got me thinking, 'Have I drifted off my path to what I really wanted to do in life?' Of course, when times get hard and it's a choice of having a job or having no money and no home, it can mean putting your dream career on hold. But after looking at my CV last week, something snapped. Enough is enough. No more jobs just to fill a gap. I decided on that day I AM going to get my 'dream career', because now I have the perfect opportunity.

So. I would advise updating your CV as soon as possible. Have a think about whether you're pursing a career or just ambling from one place to another. And if you feel you have the chance to follow a path you think will make you happy, at least now you don't have anything, or any boss, to hold you back. Tailor-make your CV to each job you apply. Sure it's a pain in the backside, but you want to stand head and shoulders above any other applicants.

Day Two: New Haircut

The next step was to make myself feel more confident. Just like after a break up, the best way to show you're moving on in life is to get a new slick hair cut. I went for the Audrey Hepburn look with short hair and was totally surprised how confident I feel with a short, feminine cut compared to long locks.

So do something that will boost your confidence. Take at least £50 out of your last pay packet to spend selfishly, whether it's a brand new look, a day in a spa or booking in a boxing lesson to get all that pent-up anger out!

Day Three: Visit the Jobcentre

I had to wait till Monday to visit the Jobcentre, and although some people have a certain perceived outlook on them, at the end of the day they are there to help. Yes of course you get the odd 'sign on' toe rag and ok,  80% of people are wearing track suits with gold hoop earrings, but the staff are great when it comes to providing you information. This is especially handy if you're looking for a complete U turn on your career path so far.

Day Four: Register

With a brand new CV to show off my skills, I registered with every agency and online job site out there. A few I like are Total Jobs, Monster and Direct Gov. Be proactive in looking at what jobs are out there and guideline salaries too. Read through job descriptions and look for keywords. Don't just say 'I'm a great team player, I'm confident and smart and love to work overtime blah blah blah', show them. Give examples of how you're a great team player, and reasons why they should hire you.

Day Five: Console Yourself

After you have done everything you possibly can, you've registered, you've updated your CV and you've applied for jobs, I suggest you console yourself by reading articles on inspiring people who got to where they are in your dream career. Also, forums are a great way to meet other people in similar situations. Because honestly, you aren't the only one. Take some serious time out to think what you want in life and to look at this as an opportunity to change for the better.

Don't get me wrong, it takes time to feel 100% again. It's been over a week for me, and you get good and bad days (especially if you get passed over for a job you've applied for) but carry on and be ready for a bright early day on Monday morning.

Have you ever been made redundant or lost that perfect job? How did you cope with it? Let us know your hints and tips below, or chat to us on Twitter. You can find us at @sixoutoftenmag. Next week, we'll  be talking about creating the perfect cover letter to bag that dream job, including the dos and definitely do nots.