About to Lose Your Job? Act Now!

After publishing my blog post, Your 10-Step Checklist: What to Do When You’re Fired in Germany, quite a few people have asked me, “What should I do if I’m at risk of losing my job? What steps should I take?” So, I created this blog post specifically to address these concerns and guide you through the process if you suspect or know that your contract won’t be renewed, or you’re about to lose your job in Germany.

Before diving into the steps, if you suspect that your employer is planning layoffs and may present you with a mutual agreement, make sure to read this article: Understanding Mutual Agreements: Leverage Your Position Like a Pro. Knowing what a mutual agreement entails is one of the first steps to take.

Let’s walk through the steps that will help you prepare and take action during this challenging time.

1. Notify the Agentur für Arbeit Immediately

As soon as you know that your contract won’t be renewed or you’re at risk of losing your job, it’s crucial to notify the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) immediately. When you notify them, you’ll be registered as a job seeker (not unemployed—read this to understand the difference: Avoid Confusion: The Difference Between Jobsuchend and Arbeitslos).

Registration as a job seeker grants you access to essential support and resources, such as unemployment benefits and programs like the AVGS voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein), which can help with career coaching or training. You don’t have to wait until you’re unemployed—you can act now if you’re at risk of losing your job.

Additionally, once you suspect you will be let go, make sure to understand the two separate steps to take with the Agentur für Arbeit. Learn more about these steps here: Demystifying Registration with the Arbeitsamt: 3 Key Steps to Secure Your Status and Benefits.

2. Open Up Communication with Your Employer

If you suspect that your job is at risk but don’t yet have proof, the worst thing you can do is avoid the conversation.

Be proactive and open up communication with your employer and HR. Request clarification about your position and ask directly about your future with the company. It’s much better to receive the bad news now than later because it gives you extra time to take action.

Being active in this situation puts you in a better position to negotiate severance or other benefits and plan your next steps.

Pro Tip: Be polite but direct. Getting clear information sooner gives you the advantage of time to make strategic decisions.

3. Review Your Employment Rights

When you know your job is at risk or your contract won’t be renewed, review your employment rights to ensure your employer is following the correct legal process.

Here’s what to check:

• Notice periods: Ensure your employer adheres to the correct notice period based on your contract or German labor law.

• Severance pay: Some employers offer severance pay even if it’s not legally required.

• Unused vacation days or overtime: Clarify how any unused leave or overtime will be compensated.

• Unused learning and development budget: Check if your company has an unused budget that could be allocated toward career coaching or courses.

Pro Tip: If unsure about your rights, seek legal advice or consult a workers’ council (Betriebsrat). I also offer a free consultation to help you understand your situation—feel free to reach out!

4. Prepare for Negotiating Your Severance Package (Including Career Coaching)

When preparing to negotiate a severance package, it’s important to be strategic. While financial compensation is the most common form of severance, there are other non-monetary benefits you can negotiate, such as career coaching services.

Read this detailed guide on what to do when negotiating a severance package: Negotiating a Severance Package in Germany: What You Need to Know and avoid common mistakes: Severance Package 101: Avoid This Mistake for Maximum Success.

5. Update Your CV and Online Profiles

As you prepare for your next career steps, take this time to update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Highlight your latest experience and key achievements.

Pro Tip: If you need help refining your CV, consider working with a career coach to make your profile stand out.

6. Network and Let People Know You’re Looking

Now is the time to leverage your professional network and let people know you’re open to new opportunities.

• Reconnect with former colleagues and industry contacts.

• Attend industry events or online webinars.

• Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters.

Pro Tip: Many jobs are filled through networking before they’re posted publicly.

7. Be Cautious About What You Sign

When facing job termination or contract non-renewal, don’t rush into signing anything. Take the time to review any documents and, if needed, seek legal advice.

Pro Tip: Always ask for time to review documents before signing them.

8. Regain Control and Take Immediate Action Beyond Job Searching

Losing your job can be overwhelming, but it's important to take immediate steps beyond job searching to regain control over your situation. These actions can provide clarity and direction as you transition. Read more about the four crucial actions to take right away in this article: Regain Control After Job Loss: 4 Immediate Actions to Take (And It’s Not a Job Search).

9. Stay Positive and Focused

Losing a job is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to explore new paths.

• Set weekly job search goals to stay motivated.

• Reflect on what you want from your next career move.

• Consider this an opportunity to break old patterns and build a life you love.

Pro Tip: Seek support from career coaches or counseling services to help you stay focused.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Future

Losing a job or facing the end of a contract doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the beginning of something new. By taking proactive steps—like opening communication with your employer, notifying the Agentur für Arbeit, negotiating your severance package, and seeking career coaching—you’ll be in the best position to move forward confidently.

Need help figuring out your next move? Book a free call with me today, and let’s map out your new blueprint together.

Not yet ready to book a call, but would like to ask a question? Email or WhatsApp me.

Until our next breakthrough!

Let me know in the comments below if this article was helpful for you and what other topics you'd like me to cover next. Your feedback helps me create more content to support you on your journey.