Losing a job is one of the most stressful life events you can go through. It impacts not only your finances but also your routine, sense of purpose, and even your mental health. If you recently lost your job in Colorado, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure about what to do next.
Take a deep breath—you are not alone. Thousands of people face job loss every year, whether due to layoffs, company closures, performance issues, or even unfair treatment at work. The important thing now is to understand your options and create a game plan to move forward.
This article will walk you step by step through what you should do after losing a job in Colorado, including unemployment benefits, resources for finding work, education opportunities, and when to talk to a lawyer.
1. Understand Why You Lost Your Job
The first step is to think about why your employment ended. This is important because the reason affects your next steps, including whether you qualify for unemployment benefits.
- Layoffs or closures: Many people lose their jobs because companies shut down, merge, or cut costs. This is usually not your fault.
- Performance issues: Sometimes, employers end jobs if they believe expectations were not met—for example, repeated lateness or not meeting sales goals.
- Unjust reasons: Unfortunately, some employees are terminated for unfair reasons such as discrimination, favoritism, or retaliation.
- At-will employment: Colorado is an “at-will” state. This means your employer can end your job at almost any time, even without a reason—unless it violates the law (such as discrimination).
Understanding the reason helps you determine if you should apply for unemployment, consider legal action, or focus directly on your job search.
2. Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment benefits can provide temporary financial support while you look for another job. In Colorado, you may qualify if:
- You were a traditional employee (not an independent contractor).
- Taxes were deducted from your paychecks.
- You earned at least $2,500 in the past year.
- You are unemployed or working fewer than 32 hours per week and earning less than the weekly benefit amount.
What if you quit?
You can still apply, but you must show that you had a good reason to quit—for example, unsafe working conditions or harassment.
What if you were fired?
Being fired does not automatically disqualify you. The reason matters. If you were fired for gross misconduct (like stealing or violence), you will not qualify. But if you were fired for reasons such as not meeting performance goals, you may still receive benefits.
How to apply
You can apply online through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) website: www.colorado.gov/cdle.
You will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your last employer’s information
- The reason for separation
- Recent pay information
Once you apply, you’ll need to actively search for work and report your efforts weekly.
3. Know What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied
Sometimes unemployment claims are denied. This can happen if your employer disputes the reason you gave, or if CDLE decides you do not meet the eligibility requirements.
If this happens, don’t give up—you have the right to appeal.
- You must file your appeal within 20 days of the denial notice.
- Most appeals are decided within 28–42 days.
- Be prepared to provide documentation, such as performance reviews, emails, or witness statements, if your employer claims misconduct.
An unemployment lawyer can also help you strengthen your appeal.
4. Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health
Job loss doesn’t just affect your bank account—it can also shake your confidence and mental well-being. It’s normal to feel worried, embarrassed, or even angry. But remember, losing a job doesn’t define your worth or future.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Stick to a routine: Wake up at the same time each day and create a daily schedule.
- Reach out for support: Talk to family, friends, or support groups.
- Stay active: Exercise, walk, or try stress-relief activities like meditation.
- Seek professional help: If stress or depression feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor.
Taking care of your mental health will keep you strong and focused as you plan your next steps.
5. Explore Your Next Career Options
Losing a job can also open the door to new opportunities. Here are some options you might consider:
- Find another job: Use job boards, networking events, and your contacts.
- Return to school: This could be the time to finish a degree or gain a new certification.
- Reskill or upskill: Online platforms and local training programs can help you qualify for better-paying jobs.
- Take a break: If you can afford it, you might take time off to reset before rejoining the workforce.
Sometimes, people discover new passions or even start businesses after job loss. Think about what direction you want your career to go in before making your next move.
6. Use Colorado Job Search Resources
Colorado has many resources to help job seekers. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the U.S. Department of Labor funds Workforce Centers across the state.
Your local workforce center can provide:
- Career counseling to help identify your strengths and goals.
- Training referrals for new skills.
- Job listings tailored to your area.
You can find your nearest workforce center online or by contacting the Colorado Department of Labor.
7. Review Your Finances
When you lose a job, money becomes one of the biggest worries. Creating a plan can help reduce stress.
- Apply for unemployment immediately so you don’t lose time.
- Cut unnecessary expenses like subscriptions, dining out, or luxury purchases.
- Contact creditors to ask about hardship programs. Many lenders offer temporary relief.
- Look into health insurance options if you lost coverage. COBRA, Medicaid, or marketplace insurance may be available.
Having a financial plan helps you stay afloat until you find new work.
8. Consider Legal Action if Needed
If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Examples include:
- Discrimination (based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, etc.)
- Harassment
- Retaliation for whistleblowing or filing complaints
- Breach of contract if your employer violated your employment agreement
- Unpaid wages for hours or overtime you worked
An employment lawyer in Colorado can review your case, explain your rights, and help you take action if necessary. Many offer free consultations.
9. Network and Rebuild Your Career
While job boards are useful, many opportunities come through networking. Now is the time to:
- Reconnect with old colleagues on LinkedIn or by email.
- Attend local networking events or industry meetups.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your latest skills.
- Ask for recommendations from past managers or coworkers.
Networking often leads to job openings that are never advertised.
10. Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward
It’s easy to feel discouraged after losing a job, but remember that this is a temporary situation. Many successful people have gone through job loss before reaching better opportunities.
Focus on what you can control:
- Your job search efforts
- Your skill-building
- Your health and well-being
- Your financial planning
Every application you submit, every networking call you make, and every skill you learn brings you closer to your next opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Losing your job in Colorado can feel overwhelming, but you have options and resources to help you get through this challenging time. By applying for unemployment benefits, taking care of your mental health, exploring new opportunities, and reaching out for support, you can turn this setback into a chance for growth.
Remember, this is not the end of your journey—it’s just the beginning of a new chapter. Stay patient, keep learning, and take things one step at a time.