7 Ways You Can Be A Good Friend To Someone Who Just Lost A Job

Are there some days where you would give anything to break out of the 9-to-5 grind? To bid adieu to traffic and stale office coffee?

Yeah, I'm right there with you. There's one thing, though, that tends to help us muddle through workweek monotony: a paycheck. Of course, we'd all like to see a few more zeros on it, but it's something.

Complaining about the annoyances of your job is admittedly a little self-indulgent, but it's important to realize you're lucky to even have a job to complain about.

If you've never experienced being out of work, it can be difficult to know how to help someone who is going through that, but there are still plenty of ways to be there for her.

1. Ask how she's doing and really listen.

This is much more than a breakup or a ghosting Tinder date. Your friend is probably distraught and truly worried about her future. Showing you really care about how she's feeling is going to go a long way for her.

Let her yell or cry about how unfair it all is without judgment. She needs to let it out. You don't even need to have an answer beyond a hug and a glass (or maybe a bottle) of red. But beware, she may not be ready to talk about it. That's when you move on to number two.

2. Respect her not wanting to talk about it.

Perhaps your friend is the type that doesn't find solace in crying it out. Maybe it's too soon and all the unanswered questions are a little too scary for her right now. You don't have the answers and she's not looking for them--that's fine.

Talk about something else, but just make sure she knows that when she's ready to move on from Kardashian and Blac Chyna drama to start talking about her feelings, you're ready and waiting.

3. Constantly telling her to "stay positive" isn't really what she wants to hear.  

Maintaining an optimistic outlook is nice, but it can be grating when you're just feeling awful. Instead of sporting a creepy perma-grin around her, try another tactic.

Have her join you for a sweat session - preferably outdoors if the weather permits. This way, she can work out some aggression and get some natural feel-good endorphins. As Elle Woods put it, "Endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't kill their husbands!"

4. Take her out to have fun and pick up the tab (or at least most of it).

 An all-out rager isn't mandatory, but it is totally acceptable. Make sure to tailor the night to her preferences. If she's not a big drinker, maybe bowling and cheesy fries are the answer. Does she have some serious sports loyalties?  Snag some seats for her favorite team's next home game! A spa day could also hit the spot.

And when it comes to picking up the tab, you don't have to get too extravagant. Take a look at your budget and see what you can swing.

It's all about cheering her up, and I can guarantee that she'll be touched that you even took the time to plan something for her.

5. Send some cool job postings her way, but don't be overbearing.

Unless you're in a position to hire them directly, you'll most likely just be getting on their nerves.  Chances are, most of their day is consumed with job searching.  Casually forwarding every post you see as though it's so easy to find them will not be greatly appreciated.

But if you do come across something that seems like a perfect fit for her, be sure to let her know in a way that makes her excited about the possibility. Job-searching is the total pits, so be sure to send along the most recent Carpool Karaoke clip, too.

6. Realize that she'll have to cut back on spending, and plan some budget-friendly nights.  

Pinterest will be your best friend in this endeavor. Try out some new recipes at home instead of shelling out for a $14 edamame appetizer. Try out some DIY to make her apartment the envy of any Restoration Hardware catalog. Get creative and have fun.

Plus, you'll be saving cash too - possibly enough to later spend on a celebratory girls' trip once she's employed again.

7. Just be there as a friend as she rides out this tough time.  

This one needs no explaining. But you're a ride or die, so I know you've got this one on lock.

This is a tough time, and it's going to take awhile to get through it. Now that you're armed with a few tips, you'll be ready to help your pal and maybe even strengthen your friendship along the way!