Whether you are experiencing a layoff for the first time or have been through the cycle before, it can be hard to navigate and process it especially when it’s a job or a company you really loved.
The feeling of being blindsided by a layoff sucks. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Many thoughts start going through your mind, from finances to job searching to just figuring out a new routine.
The first piece of the puzzle to navigate once you’ve signed a separation agreement or started the black hole of filing for unemployment is to feel all the emotions. It’s like going through a breakup- sometimes there’s anger, sadness, and maybe resentment, but in the end, you feel lighter. You reach the other end and realize a new opportunity is in your lap. A layoff can be the universe saying there is an even better job around the corner.
So, once the emotions have settled, it’s time to get to work. Now, I don’t mean jumping right into applying to jobs (which you, of course, can), but it’s also important to give yourself a little bit of time to relax, reflect, get tasks done around the house, sleep, exercise- take a few minutes for yourself.
As you take some time for self-care, consider your action plan. If you are confident in the next role you want to target, start by updating your resume, tweaking your LinkedIn profile, and networking in your circle. Use your contacts to begin setting up informational calls- learning about different roles and companies and getting a pulse on what the hiring landscape looks like at the company.
For those who are less sure of what they want their next role or company to look like (I’ve been there many times), start by visualizing what an ideal job looks like for you. Write down a list of what you’ve loved most about past jobs and your career so far, and make note of things that haven’t been the most enjoyable. Now, of course, every job has aspects that aren’t perfect, but what I am getting at is it’s helpful to start to hone in on what you're passionate about and what roles and companies are out there that align with what you want and value.
One of the most essential parts of navigating a layoff is to build and maintain a structured routine as much as possible. Wake up at a reasonable time, create a new morning routine, and have clear goals for the day and week. I will commit to applying to X number of jobs this week or to X number of calls within and outside of my network. Staying consistent is key. The more you do, the higher the chances of landing an interview.
Speaking of interviews…it’s an excellent opportunity to brush up on your interviewing skills during this time. Think about your story and your pitch. How do you describe yourself? What makes you unique and sets you apart from other candidates? Think about your skillsets and the qualities you can bring to a new company and team.
As with many things, landing that next job takes time and patience, but it’s out there for you. It can feel discouraging at times, but stay persistent, stay optimistic, and before you know it, that layoff period will be a thing of the past.
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