Here's how you can reassess your career goals after a layoff.

1 Reflect Deeply

After a layoff, take a step back to reflect on your career journey thus far. Think about the roles you've enjoyed, the skills you've developed, and where you found the most satisfaction. This is an ideal time to question what success means to you and if your previous career path aligns with those values. Consider the aspects of team building and collaboration that gave you energy, and how they might influence your future choices. Reflection can lead to a clearer understanding of your career objectives and a more focused job search.

2 Identify Skills

Next, identify the skills you have that are most valuable in the marketplace and which ones you need to develop. Team building, for example, is a highly sought-after skill across many industries. Evaluate how your experience with fostering teamwork and collaboration can be transferred to new roles or sectors. This is also a chance to consider upskilling or reskilling —perhaps there's a certification that could make you more marketable or a new technology you could learn to enhance your team-building capabilities.

3 Set Objectives

With a fresh perspective, set new career objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). These goals should reflect both your personal aspirations and the realities of the job market. If team building is a strength, consider roles that allow you to lead and inspire groups. Whether it's advancing to a management position or shifting to a role that requires strong interpersonal skills, clear objectives will guide your job search and professional development.

4 Explore Options

Exploration is key in finding new opportunities that align with your reassessed career goals. Look into industries or roles where your team-building skills are in demand . Networking can be incredibly valuable during this phase; reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups, and attend industry events to learn about different career paths. Sometimes, a layoff can be the push you need to venture into entrepreneurial endeavors or consultancy where your team-building prowess is a cornerstone of your business model.

5 Plan Strategically

Once you've identified potential career paths, create a strategic plan to reach your goals. This should include steps like updating your resume to highlight team-building experiences , practicing for interviews to showcase your collaborative skills , and perhaps engaging in strategic volunteering or part-time work to fill gaps in your resume. Remember, every action should move you closer to your objectives, so prioritize activities that have the most significant impact on your career advancement.

6 Stay Positive

Maintaining a positive outlook is crucial during this transitional period. Embrace the layoff as an impetus for growth rather than a setback. Cultivate resilience by setting small, achievable goals that contribute to your larger career ambitions. Keep in mind that team-building skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution are invaluable assets in any job search. By staying optimistic and proactive, you'll be better positioned to seize new opportunities that come your way.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?