Getting laid off from your job can be devastating. It’s a difficult and unexpected event that can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about your future. However bad it may seem; it is not the end of your career nor your career journey.
Here are some ideas you can use to navigate your pause and move forward with your career:
Step 1. Take the Time to Process Your Feelings
A layoff can be emotionally draining, so you must take time to process your feelings. You will grieve, feel sad, angry, frustrated after being laid off. And it’s okay.
Give yourself permission to feel these emotions and take the time you need to process them in the way you need to process. This may mean taking time off or finding support from your inner circle of friends and family.
STATEGY TIP: During this time, it can be easy to fall into a rut. Give yourself time to process by setting a realistic deadline to grieve and then move on. Every person is different, and you may need less or more time to process your layoff. This could be a couple of days to a week or more. The key is to decide that after you’ve allowed yourself to process your emotions after a certain date, you will switch your focus to getting back to work. You may have to say this out loud, write it on a calendar, and set an alarm.
Don’t beat yourself up if after your deadline, thoughts about the layoff return. Breathe. Process that emotion. Ask yourself did you finish processing the layoff? You may need to tell yourself the layoff is not who you are, that job was not who you are, it was what you did for the time, and now it’s time to transition to your new adventure. Then keep it moving.
And if you need further help to process your emotions, it’s okay to seek help. Get help.
You got this.
Step 2. Assess Your Current Finances
During a challenging time, such as a layoff, you must review your finances and consider how you will manage your expenses. Review your expenses and re-assess what you really need and what you can cut. Also, you may want to look for items that can be downgraded.
If haven’t already created a budget, now is a good time to do so. Next, refer to your severance package, making sure you understand the terms and conditions of the package. Also, explore temporary financial assistance you can apply for.
STRATEGY TIP: Many times, budgeting is associated with lack. If you think so, it’s time to change your perspective. A budget is not punishment. It’s simply a way to organize your money. Every dollar should serve a purpose and a budget helps you sort your dollars for the purpose you assign it to.
Step 3. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles
Pull out your resume and revise your online profiles to reflect your current skills and experience. This will help you stay competitive in the job market and increase your chances of finding a new job. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your most recent accomplishments and skills. You should also update your LinkedIn profile and other online profiles to reflect your current job status.
STRATEGY TIP: A resume is not a one and done document. Make sure you customize your resume to reflect the job you are applying for.
Step 4: Network and Seek Support
Networking is essential when seeking a new job after a layoff. Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and family to let them know that you are looking for a new job. Attend networking events and join professional groups to expand your network and meet new people in your industry. You can also seek support from career coaches or other professionals who can help you navigate the job search process. You may be one connection away from your next job.
STRATEGY TIP: Consider your local work source, alumni association, neighbors, church, job lead groups, local community colleges and universities to name a few. Get creative. Hold webinars on helpful topics that highlight your specialty. Invite your social media followers, friends, and colleagues. Make sure your content is organized and valuable. You can then end your webinar letting the audience know you are available for career opportunities or if they know of a company that can use your skills, please refer you.
You could also write articles or make quick videos on your topic in your field. You’ll position yourself as a leader in your field, as well as demonstrate transferrable skills such as communication, cognitive, and organizational skills, to name a few.
Step 5: Explore Job Opportunities
After a layoff, it’s important to explore job opportunities and apply to jobs that align with your skills and experience. Make a list of companies and organizations that you are interested in working for and reach out to hiring managers to inquire about job openings. You can also use job search websites and career fairs to find job opportunities.
STRATEGY TIP: Is there a particular job that you’ve always wanted to do, but never pursued it? Take this time to explore what you really want to do. An excellent resource is your local, state, and federal government. Did you know they have a number of resources to help you in your job search? In the U.S., try benefits.gov to explore all of the benefits you may qualify for. For other countries, search for your country’s job bank.
Step 6: Consider Upskilling or Reskilling
After a layoff, you may find that your skills and experience are no longer in demand in your industry. Consider upskilling or reskilling to make yourself more competitive in the job market. This may mean taking classes or pursuing certifications in a new field. You may also decide you may need to pursue a degree to increase your marketability.
STRATEGY TIP: Many times, there are skills you’ve picked up on the job that you may have overlooked. Did you attend any seminars at your job, take any courses or training that your employer paid or required? Did your company install a new system and you had to learn to use the new system? These skills are marketable and should be included in your resume.
Step 7: Stay Positive and Focused
After a layoff, it’s important to stay positive and focused on your goals. It’s easy to get discouraged during a job search, but staying positive and focused can help you stay motivated and energized. Remember that a layoff is not a reflection of your skills or value as a professional. Stay focused on your goals and keep working towards finding a new job.
STRATEGY TIP: This is an excellent time to indulge in self-care. Reserve some time to do something kind to yourself. It can be simple as writing an encouraging letter to yourself, playing your favorite song and singing aloud to it, or taking a walk to enjoy nature.
Remember someone is always worse off than you, so please consider being thankful for what you have and not focus on what you don’t.
Being laid off can be an unexpected, challenging, and scary situation. Be kind to yourself and take time to process your feelings. Once you’ve taken care emotionally, begin to assess your current state – your finances, skills/abilities, resume, social profiles, your network and resources. Stay positive and thankful – there is always someone worse off than you. Stay focused on your goals.
You will get through this.
A layoff is not the end of your career, but rather an opportunity to grow and explore new career frontiers.
Cheers to your new beginnings!
