Don’t panic.

If you hear the words “you’re fired,” stay calm. You’ll be better able to take the following 10 steps for getting back on your feet.

Don’t freak out.

Prevent your emotions from getting the best of you. The calmer you stay, the faster you’ll get past this crisis.

Don’t do anything rash.

It might be satisfying to lash out, but don’t do it. You need to protect your reputation now more than ever.

Don’t sign a severance agreement immediately.

Take time to look over a general release if you’re offered one, and possibly run it by a lawyer. You might be able to negotiate a higher payment.

Negotiate how your departure will be described.

Your former company might agree to describe your separation in neutral terms to future employers, or to just confirm your dates of employment.

Look over your finances.

Assume that you might not find a new job for a few months. Review your budget and cut out any expenses you can.

File for unemployment.

In most states, fired employees can collect unemployment benefits if they weren’t let go for intentional misconduct.

Go to the doctor.

You’ll probably have your employer’s healthcare until the month’s end, so get your doctor and dentist visits in immediately.

Plan to keep in touch with co-workers and clients.

Mitigate awkwardness by telling your former colleagues what you liked about working with them. They’ll be impressed by your classiness.

Remain objective.

Try to see your firing as an outsider might. Do you understand why you were let go? What lessons can you learn for your next job?

Remember that you’re not alone.

Lots of good people are fired and move on to success. You’ll get past this too.