The First 72 Hours Card
Free. What to ask, save and sort in the first three days after a job ends, day by day.
By Whole Life HQ1 part · about 600 words · printable · read online
Who it's for
Written in plain English for every age.
What problem it helps with: Free. What to ask, save and sort in the first three days after a job ends, day by day.
What you receive
- The first 72 hours card
Look inside
The first page, word for word.
Part 1: The first 72 hours card
If your job has just ended, your head is probably full. You do not need to solve everything this week. You need to do a handful of things in the right order, while the details are fresh. This card covers the first three days.
Take a breath. This is not a verdict on you, and the next three days are only about getting organised.
Day 1: Gather and protect (today)
Do these before you leave, or as soon as you can.
- Ask what is in writing. Ask for the final pay date, any unused holiday pay, and the end date for benefits like health cover. Ask for these in an email so you have a record.
- Ask HR three questions: Is a severance or notice payment due, and when? What happens to my health insurance and pension? Who do I contact after today?
- Save what is yours (and only yours): your payslips, your contract, your performance reviews, contact details of colleagues who want to stay in touch. Do not take confidential company files.
- Do not sign anything the same day unless you have to. It is fine to say: "I would like a day to read this."
- Take a photo or note of the names and numbers you were given.
Downloads included
1 printable page: see the list
Open and print them from here or from your library once they are yours.
Made and checked by
Written by the Whole Life HQ team.
How you get it
- Opens nowOpens straight away, no card needed.
- Any devicePhone, tablet or computer. Print it if you like paper.
- Yours to keepIt stays in your account, and you can come back any time.
