What do you do when you’ve been laid off?
Layoffs are usually never fun- both for the individual(s) receiving the news, and for the person(s) giving it. Sometimes they are anticipated, and other times they are sudden, throwing the ill-prepared person’s life into a financial, social, and emotional tail spin. Despite the uncertainty that comes with being laid off, there is a lesson to be learned from the (at times) expected and unexpected unemployment. Here are a few tips to get back in the “game,” so to speak, as a result of a newfound unemployed status:
1. Awareness- now is the time to lean on your network. Share with your trusted network that you are in the job market, share the kind of job you are looking for, your experiences, and the skill-sets you bring to the table. Though for some being laid off can feel defeating and be embarrassing, you are not alone; it could be the nudge that you need to be more self-aware of what you want, and the extra push you need to pursue your passion (if you are not doing so already). Or, life may be pushing you (albeit forcibly), into something bigger and better. Be fully present to where you are professionally right now, feel all of the feelings, and use it as a motivator for you to advance. For more on how to build your professional network from the ground up, and how to authentically broach the topic through awareness, check out another one of our articles, which can be found here.
2. Brush up/update your Resume/CV– if finding a new job is financially pressing, take the time to update and to tailor your Resume/CV for posted jobs that may interest you. Who and what you know are both important. However, if you are unable to convey that on paper and then in-person, chances are it won’t work in your favor. Brand yourself as an entity and package, on paper. Quantify your work, illustrating the impact you have made and that you can make.
3. Commit to the search- the job search process is as hard and tedious as it is competitive. It can be mentally and emotionally taxing, as financial pressures mount, and especially if you have dependents and are getting “no” responses or no responses at all. However, searching for a job is a full time job- requiring 6-8 hours a day of seeking, matching, applying, and following up when needed. Now that you have more time on your hands, commit to really tailor-making your search, to ensure that your next step professionally is the right step and the best step for you.
4. Gain perspective- you won’t be unemployed forever, see this as an opportunity for growth and/or redirection. Every event in life is purposeful and there is a lesson to be learned about ourselves, about how we “show up” in the world, and about why we are in it. Take this time to learn the lesson for what it is (the faster you learn it the better so you can elevate to the next level), so that you can pass this test and advance in your life’s journey. Everything that happens is working for you, not to you. Change your mind and your narrative, change your life.
Though being laid off may be unexpected or unanticipated, it too shall pass, and life goes on. The recent lay-offs in Barbados that made national news were unexpected for many. Despite this fact, continue to keep the faith, be proactive in your job search, and be willing to put yourself out there. Cast your job search net wide, be strategic, and eventually a “fish” will be brought in. Be encouraged, keep the faith, and press on. What else would you recommend to someone that finds themselves in between jobs?