Career Crisis: After the Worst Happens

What you could have never imagined has happened to you. You may feel alone, anxious or disillusioned. Although everyone faces these types of trials differently, we hope the following advice and resources can help you get the support you need. Click here to find mentors and legal advisors to help you get back on your feet. 

Your Physical and Emotional Needs Come First

  • Assess your physical health. 
    It is not uncommon for the stress of a career crisis to take a toll on you physically. Pay attention to your symptoms and contact a doctor if needed. 

  • Assess your financial health. 
    Before getting too involved in searching for a new job, it is crucial to take an inventory of your assets and your bills and make a plan for the interim.

  • Assess your emotional health. 
    Going through a dismissal or other crisis can evoke the same kind of grief process as any other loss. Getting help from a counselor or spiritual advisor may help you cope during this time.

Utilize Your Illinois ASBO Network

  • Get on the Illinois ASBO Interim list. 
    If you don’t have a new position lined up, you can put your name on the list to be contacted for temporary placement opportunities within a school district. Contact Holly Wallace for more information.

  • Network as much as you can. 
    You never know who will happen to know of a position coming open. Your inside connections can help you be quick to respond when something opens up.

  • Keep going to PDC Meetings 
    Attend all Illinois ASBO gatherings. This is the time you may feel most tempted to shy away, but also the time you most need to go! As long as your membership is active, feel free to participate.


If you are having trouble maintaining your Illinois ASBO membership due to financial troubles following a job crisis, please contact Sue Bertrand at (815) 753-9368 to discuss what options are available to you.

Related Resources

10 Strategies for Handling the Stress of a Financial Crisis

 An article from Psychology Today.

read article

The Hidden Gifts of Financial Crisis

Proven ways to combat the tidal wave of worry, fear and stress.

read article

Surviving a Financial Crisis​ 

A variety of resources to navigate financial issues.​

learn more

Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness and Recovery

A comprehensive guide on the many kinds of disasters you may face.

learn more

What to Do if You Lose Job-Based Health Insurance

Options from healtchcare.gov to get covered and avoid penalties.

read article

Coping with Grief 

Part of WebMD's Mental Health Center.

learn more

Note: The advice and resources included on these web pages are suggestions and should not be considered legal advice. By traversing these pages, you acknowledge that Illinois ASBO assumes no responsibility or legal liability for the actions you take and the resulting consequences. Please consult a qualified attorney for questions related to the legal implications of your actions or advice on contract-related issues.
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