As you are about to leave work for the day, your manager sends an email invitation to an unexpected meeting. You walk into the room and sit down, and she has a sad look on her face. Tension begins to fill the room, and she tells you the company is experiencing financial issues and it is your last day of employment.
What do you do next?
The reality of being fired or laid off from a company can be stressful. The thought of searching for a new job or how long it will take to find one can leave the strongest person with doubt. However, it is a sign that a better opportunity that will keep you on your toes is coming soon. As an optimist, it is a perfect time to think outside the box and be creative because prolonged doubt can delay finding a new opportunity.
If you are experiencing a job transition at this time, this article will share helpful insight to turn a negative experience into a positive direction toward a rewarding career.
Face Career-Related Issues
During the job search, looking within yourself to discover the reason the last opportunity came to an end can potentially prevent future issues. In some cases, an employer will not discuss the reason for the end of employment. Now is the time to think about the beginning of the end of the work experience. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- How can I improve professionally?
- How can I make myself indispensable to an employer?
- Do I need to take courses to improve my skills?
- Did I get along with the team?
It can be a difficult experience to dig deep into what happened a few months before employment ended, but it can be the start of your career development.
Start a Side Business
What are your entrepreneurial dreams? If you search for a new job and start an online business or at-home business, it can potentially become the start of a new journey in life. It is common for people to be laid off from work to find later out that it was for the best because a business idea might be a better lifestyle fit. Remember to get business cards, update your LinkedIn profile, and create an online portfolio for people to view the quality of your work.
Socialize on Social Media
Social media engagement is one of the reasons why some people are well connected in their industry. Socializing on social media means joining online industry-related groups to comment on discussions. It can include writing blogs about professional opinions or career advice that is specific to your industry and posting it online. You will be surprised with whom you can connect online such as human resources professionals and executives.
Take a Vacation
Staying at home in the first few weeks of a layoff can lead to depression or negative feelings of self-doubt. A road trip, weekend getaway, or a real vacation with family or friends can help rid the mind of negativity. On the trip, open conversations about what happened can lead to a discussion about how to get back on track. Hearing other people’s stories of a similar nature can set the standard that it is a temporary defeat.
Be Prepared to Change Directions
Do you enjoy your line of work? The lay off might be a sign from the universe that it is time to work in a new industry. It can indicate that you need to aim higher for an opportunity in management or the C-suite. Starting over can be time-consuming, but it is better to begin a new journey toward a new career than to realize you have outgrown your job title.
Stay in Contact with Colleagues
The end of your employment does not mean ending relationships at the company. There is a chance colleagues at the last place of employment will eventually find work in a new industry or organization. I recommend avoiding gossip or sharing negative thoughts about people on the team.
It is better to walk the high road.
Write a Journal
A journal is a good way to get rid of unclear thoughts. It can help to realize internal issues that may have caused the reason for the end of employment. Outside issues include marital, financial, identity issues, or the loss of a loved one. As time passes, re-read the first few journal entries to figure out what can be resolved before moving onto a new job.
Volunteer
Volunteering can motivate you to interact with people. At the same time, it is using your skills to help people in need in the community. If a manager working at the organization knows you are not working and they believe you can be a valuable addition to the team it can turn into full-time work. Also, the discussions of hearing other people’s struggles can make you realize how blessed you truly are.
Join an Association
I recommend joining an industry-related association even if a membership fee is required. At these meetings you’ll meet local business owners and seasoned professionals at top organizations. Be confident to share on the first day of your meeting that you are in a job transition and searching for work.
Complete Unfinished Work
A job does not define you which means it does not mean you are not worthy of success. Think about taking college or university classes or starting a hobby. The activities you did not have time to pursue can be approached now. Explore your inner child by joining a swim team, rugby, or participate in a local sports tournament. It can help with taking the job loss off your mind as you spend some time having fun.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Do you have a family? When you are not searching for jobs, take your children out on a nature walk on the weekends. Take your wife out for a long walk in the neighborhood to bring back the romance. Your personal life should not come to an end because being around people who care about you can be a way to get over what happened.
What to do after finding a new job
Some of these tips might work for you. Implementing all these points into your life can be impossible. After you find a new job, a goal of avoiding the same mistakes in the last job need to be implemented immediately. It can prevent you from experiencing a domino effect of either being laid off again or working for a company that does not inspire you. The mindset you had in the last job can be used to run your career like a business with strategic goals to be the employee who is not dispensable.
Take responsibility for your life
The last mindset to have is that life happens, or it is not your fault. It can be very true that you did nothing wrong but what happened might have taken place because you were not working at your best or outgrowing your position made you feel empty. Once you realize you hold the key to your destiny, the next job will be better than the last. Realize mistakes and use them as a learning lesson.
Share your story with close people in your life and be open to hear their feedback.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
