Experiencing a job layoff can lead to a crisis, a challenging and uncertain situation. But what is crisis anyway, and how to handle it?
In the depths of crisis lies the potential for profound transformation. The word “crisis” finds its roots in the ancient Greek word “krino,” which encompassed meanings such as “separate, judge, or decide.” This etymology reveals a powerful truth about the nature of crisis: it presents us with an opportunity to reevaluate, choose, and embark upon a new path. When crisis strikes, it calls upon us to be mindful and attentive. In the face of adversity, we are given a chance to reexamine our beliefs, values, and priorities. It is a wake-up call that urges us to question our old ways of thinking and living. Within every crisis lies the potential for growth and resilience, as our choices made through contemplation and introspection become the catalyst for transformation, propelling us into uncharted territory and opening doors to novel opportunities that shape our future.
Losing a job due to a layoff can be traumatic and challenging, leaving you uncertain about the future. But remember, you’re not alone. Many have turned their layoff into a stepping stone for a new career. Understand and manage your emotions to rebuild and rebound from a layoff positively. Common emotional responses include fear, sadness, and anger. Acknowledge these emotions to navigate the process effectively. Here are some practices to help you:
- Use positive affirmations, such as “I am capable and deserving of success,” “I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth,” and “I have the skills and abilities to achieve my goals,” to reshape negative thoughts and build confidence.
- Practice mindfulness by engaging in activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful journaling to cultivate a present-moment awareness, enabling you to make empowered decisions grounded in clarity and intention.
- Challenge the negative thinking that you’re not good enough to apply for a job by reminding yourself that you possess valuable skills and experiences. Replace the negative thought with a positive or neutral alternative, such as “I may not meet all the requirements, but I have unique qualities to offer and can learn and grow in this position. I will apply and seize the opportunity to showcase my abilities and passion.”
Managing your emotions is vital for career progression as you address and understand your responses, mitigating their negative impact, while remembering that a layoff doesn’t define your worth; rather, it presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, so reflect, validate, and practice self-compassion, embracing the possibilities ahead and transforming this setback into a springboard for success.
Developing a Strategic Job Search Plan
After experiencing a layoff, it’s natural to seek security, fulfillment, and recognition in your new workplace. Define what value means to you—whether it’s flexibility, work-life balance, growth opportunities, sustainability or fair compensation. Outlining your expectations empowers you to make informed decisions when assessing potential employers.
If you have experienced a mass industry layoff, you might want to start by setting your intention and researching high-demand fields that have demonstrated consistent growth, even during economic downturns. Additionally, utilize your network to connect with professionals in your desired industry, gain valuable insights, and understand the industry trends and challenges. Platforms like LinkedIn can be instrumental in expanding your network and engaging with companies of interest.
Once you’ve processed your emotions and found yourself ready for the next step, it’s time to develop a strategic job search plan that will help you focus your efforts and increase your chances of finding the right opportunity. Here are some key steps to include in your plan:
Clarify your goals and values: Take the time to reflect on what you truly want in your next career move. Consider your skills, interests, values, and long-term career goals. Reflecting on your prior roles and identifying the work that lit you up can help you determine what you want in your next career move. Furthermore, think about the impact you want to make with the work you do. Explore your passions and consider how your skills and experiences can contribute to issues that matter to you. This self-reflection will guide your job search and help you target the right opportunities. Some practical tools and apps that can guide you during this process:
- MindMeister (a mind mapping tool that can assist in visualizing and organizing your thoughts, goals, and values in a structured way
- Evernote (a versatile note-taking app that allows you to jot down your reflections, ideas, and goals)
- Values Card Sort (a physical or digital tool that helps you identify and prioritize your personal values)
- Personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis (you can use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create a simple SWOT matrix and evaluate each aspect)
- Goal-setting apps like Trello, Todoist, or Microsoft To Do (these apps allow you to create tasks, set deadlines, and organize them into actionable lists)
Enhance your skills: Consider investing in your professional development during this transition period. Identify any skills gaps that may exist and explore opportunities for training, certification programs, or online courses to enhance your skill set. You might consider platforms like FutureLearn, edX, Coursera, Udemy, Codecademy. Acquiring new skills can make you more competitive in the job market and open up additional career options.
Update your resume and oline presence: Revise your resume to highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments. Tailor it to each job application to make a strong impression. You might use free online resume building websites like Canva, Resumemaker.in, Zety. Also, review and update your online presence, including any professional websites or portfolios you may have.
Build your personal brand: Polish your LinkedIn profile and ensure it reflects your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Consider creating a personal website or blog to showcase your expertise and share relevant industry insights.
Identify resources: Take stock of the resources available to you. This includes your personal network, professional contacts, online job boards, career counseling services, and industry-specific websites or associations. Utilize these resources to gather information, seek guidance, and explore potential opportunities.
Expand your network: Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process. Reach out to your professional contacts, attend industry events, seek mentorship opportunities, and join relevant online communities. Let people know about your situation and ask for their support, advice, and referrals. Networking can uncover hidden job opportunities and increase your chances of finding the right fit.
Research potential employers: Before applying for jobs, research potential employers to determine if they align with your values and goals. Look into their company culture, mission, and values. This information will help you tailor your application materials and prepare for interviews.
Customize your application: Avoid the temptation to submit generic applications. Instead, take the time to tailor each application to the specific job and company. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Personalizing your applications shows employers that you are genuinely interested in their organization.
Prepare for interviews: Practice common interview questions and develop compelling answers that showcase your skills and experiences. Research the company’s interview process and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Additionally, anticipate behavioral questions and have examples ready to demonstrate your abilities.
Maintain resilience and persistence: Keep track of the jobs you have applied to, the companies you have interviewed with, and any follow-up actions required. The job search process can be challenging and sometimes prolonged. Rejection is a natural part of the process, but it doesn’t define your worth. Stay resilient, maintain a positive mindset, and learn from each experience. When faced with rejection after a job application or interview, it can be valuable to seek feedback and understand the reasons behind the decision to enhance self-awareness and improve. Approach the situation with an open mindset and a genuine desire to learn and grow.
Maintain self-care: Throughout this transition period, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and well-being. Take care of your physical and mental health by engaging in activities that bring you joy and reduce stress. This could include exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.
It is crucial to recognize that the outcome of this transformative journey rests upon our attitude and mindset. Our response to the crisis determines whether the new stage of our lives will be one of growth, fulfillment and progress or one of stagnation and despair. As we navigate through the storm, may we remember the profound wisdom hidden within the origin of the word “crisis.” Let us separate ourselves from old patterns, judge our actions with clarity, and decide to embark on a new path. With each crisis, we are given another chance to cultivate mindfulness, exercise critical thinking, and make choices that lead us toward a better and more fulfilling existence.
Article author: Zara Galstyan