Plenty of us have heard this news in some form or another: Prices are up, wages are down, and the economy is shrinking. In some cases, we might even know someone who sadly wound up unemployed. Maybe that someone is you.
During this latest wave of layoffs, how would you cope with the life changes brought on by unemployment? Would you remain in control of your mindset and career? Even if you feel secure in your current position, have you made a plan in the event of company reorganization, wage cuts or a job loss?
I observed plenty of these hardships over the past three months. Three of my friends lost their jobs and, as a career coach, I worked with two clients who have been struggling through career transitions. One of them just landed a new job – a dream job – after eighteen months of freelancing. Although I am extremely happy for that person, I feel that all of this points to a bigger issue: Losing one’s job is a traumatic, often sudden experience and therefore we all need to have a post-layoff strategy.
Having helped many of my clients walk out from under the shadow of unemployment, I developed three steps that work effectively to that end.
Though they can be followed independently, I recommend incorporating each of them as steps in an overall post-layoff strategy. These are not only applicable for people experiencing a layoff, but also for anyone going through career hardships or who want to be ready for them.
First, experience the emotional impact of your layoff before you try to accept it.
A New York Times article reported, “Studies show laid-off workers are prone to experience a wide range of negative effects, including mental and physical health issues, lifestyle and social life impacts, and newly stressful family dynamics.”
Everyone handles job losses differently: They could be stuck in shock, never having expected to face this issue; or get angry, feeling betrayed after giving months, years or even decades of hard work to their former employer; or just lay in bed all day and call themselves failures. But regardless of how a layoff affects you emotionally, you have options to help yourself cope:
Consciously experience your loss. You have the right to feel bad, so let yourself wallow or even grieve. Consider journaling to reflect on your situation, how it makes you feel and what you want to change.
Lean on your network. Spend time with your family and friends, your professional connections and, if you have any, your mentors or coaches. At worst, it can help you feel better. At best, it might lead to your next opportunity.
Analyze the situation. Seek out the context around your layoff. If you feel that you did not get a good enough explanation on the day you were laid off, consider reaching back out to ask for more details. Armed with the knowledge of what exactly went wrong, you may be able to turn your layoff into an educational experience and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Second, regain your confidence.
Why are we often so self-critical during a life event such as a layoff? We can blame human evolution: it keeps our brains on high alert and forces us to concentrate on our flaws without end. Maybe that worked countless millennia ago, but today that tends to damage our self-confidence and lock us out of new opportunities. As you move forward in life, you must rebuild your confidence and trust in your ability to succeed. There are several ways to swap self-criticism for self-compassion:
Live well. A healthy body often leads to a healthy mind, and healthy minds are confident. Set up a routine and stick to it – exercise, keep a good diet, and get a full night’s sleep every day.
Practice mindfulness. Whether it is through meditation, religion, regular self-affirmation, or any other preferred method, seek a clear and positive mindset. I found that just telling myself regularly that “I love myself,” “I control my life,” and “I am grateful” has lifted my spirits for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Surround yourself with positive people. We are social creatures by design and will naturally adapt to match our environments. If you spend your time alone or with negative people, then you will stay that way. So find a good crowd of happy people, make it your home, and let yourself take on its traits.
Third, treat your job search like a full-time job.
As you search for new opportunities, adopt a mindset of approaching every day as if you are already employed, with the same risks and rewards you used to (and will once again) face. Carry that determination with you regardless of your job status and you will find success. Consider the following approaches:
Know your value. Everyone has a unique story, so figure out yours. You did not get your last job(s) through sheer coincidence. Chart your path throughout your career and focus on what made you stand out to previous employers and among your coworkers.
Never be alone. Feel free to practice your hobbies completely on your own, but in the professional world if you do not connect with others in your field, then you will miss out on recognition and future opportunities. This is especially important to remember after you get your next job, as it can help insulate you from future layoffs or at least shorten your period of unemployment. The key to a successful career in any industry is to network, network, network.
Be consistent and persistent. Your new job is to get a job and during this period you are both the employer and the employee. Set a schedule for your search, find a way to measure your progress every day and hold yourself to a high standard. Just make sure to be a good boss and always believe in yourself!
I am happy to help you or your loved ones overcome unemployment or any other career crisis. You are resilient, creative, and resourceful. I’m here to help you see that and find your dream job. Please visit my website, GiftedCoaching.info, and contact me at Lucy@GiftedCoaching.info for more information.