The words "lost job" echoed in my ears as one friend wrote me last week seeking my advice on what to do after losing her job. Since my advice helped her regain composure, I wanted to share it with you too!
I know firsthand the ugly feeling of suddenly being unemployed especially when you're deeply invested in your role. It's a cocktail of stunned disbelief surprise then perhaps a wave of upset devastation or even a sense of unfair treatment. You tell yourself it could never happen to you until it does.
But let's be real many industries are battling fierce headwinds. We are in a crisis or headed to one and businesses are struggling to maintain positive cash flow. Unfortunately employees often represent a significant expense for any organization so layoffs become an unavoidable reality.
So what do you do when you find yourself suddenly without a job? Here are the steps I shared with my friend and wanted to share with you as well.
Take some time perhaps a few days or a week to truly absorb what's happened. It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling. Talk to a trusted friend a family member or seek specialized professional consultations if you need guidance navigating this challenging time (you can contact me here for assistance ). The key is to acknowledge the emotional impact this has on you.
Then unplug from your work context. They don't need you anymore so constantly replaying work scenarios in your head won't serve you well. It will only prolong the pain. It's time to shift your focus elsewhere. What I usually do is to engage in outdoor activities like running, biking or hiking!
Understand that oftentimes it's not your fault! Layoffs are typically driven by business decisions not individual performance. Don't take the blame upon yourself! Be confident that you will succeed in another role!
I know the instinct is to frantically start applying for anything that moves. But the market is tough right now. Rushing into a job search while you're still emotionally unstable is a recipe for disappointment. Let the dust settle.
Instead use this time for introspection. Think about your life your priorities what truly makes you tick. What kind of work aligns with your passions?
Of course the emotional aspect aside we also need to address the financial realities. Be prudent with your expenses. Cut back on unnecessary spending like those impulse shopping trips. I have some great advice on saving money on groceries without sacrificing quality in this article.
Once you feel emotionally ready start leveraging your network. Reach out to former colleagues industry contacts or even friends of friends. You'd be surprised how many opportunities can arise through connections! I cannot stress enough the importance of networking which I wrote about in this article.
Acknowledge that the job search process can take time perhaps longer than you anticipate. Use this time wisely to invest in yourself. Acquire high-income skills that will make you a more valuable asset in the long run. I have some ideas about high-income skills you can explore in my article.
Losing a job is undoubtedly a difficult experience but it's not the end of your world. I've been there a couple of times and I might be again, who knows. What I know for sure is that by prioritizing your emotional well-being in the initial shock and then taking calculated level-headed steps towards planning your next move you can transform this setback into an opportunity for growth resilience and ultimately greater success. Everything happens for a reason!
Keep your chin up 😉!