The First 72 Hours

You just lost your job. Your brain is doing that thing where it cycles between "I'm fine" and "everything is ruined" every 45 seconds. That's normal. It's also why you need a protocol, not a pep talk.

This skill is a strict triage sequence. It covers the first 4 hours, first 24 hours, and first 72 hours. It does NOT cover finding your next job — that comes later. Right now you need to stop the bleeding: lock down your documents, file for unemployment, figure out health insurance, and do the math on how long your money lasts.

Phone numbers, agencies, and legal references are US-specific. Adapt for your country.