What do you do if your confidence is shattered after a layoff?

From my personal experience, and from my work with clients who have lost their jobs, the first thing to do is regulate your nervous system. Job loss tends to be unexpected, or at the very least, unwanted, which disrupts your nervous system, putting you into fight, flight, or freeze mode. When you're in one of these modes, you react and make decisions from a place of fear, anxiety, doubt, or desperation (low frequency, victim energy). By allowing yourself a few days to process your feelings, regulate your nervous system, and calm yourself, you can start to tune into your intuition, bringing in optimism and positivity (high frequency, growth mindset). Then you can really start to move forward and figure out the right next steps for you.

Experiencing a layoff can be emotionally tough, impacting your confidence. It's key to allow yourself to grieve and process fully. Acknowledge the range of emotions such as loss, anger, and uncertainty. Everyone copes differently, so take the time needed to navigate through these emotions, which may span days, weeks, or even months. While grieving is important, don't get stuck in negativity. After allowing yourself to grieve, shift focus on the future. Consider this period as a chance for self-reflection and reassessment of your values and career path. Explore new opportunities, learn new skills, and redefine your professional goals. Remember that being laid off can also present new possibilities and a fresh start in your career journey.

1. Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel upset, angry, or scared. Give yourself permission to feel these emotions. 2. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your feelings can help you process them. 3. Focus on what you can control: Instead of dwelling on the layoff, focus on what you can control, like updating your resume or networking. 4. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise, eat well, and make time for activities you enjoy. 5. Reframe the experience: Instead of seeing the layoff as failure, see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Remember, confidence is a skill that can be developed. With time, patience, and effort, you can rebuild your confidence.

Post-layoff, rebuild confidence by cataloging your achievements and recognizing your enduring professional value. Seek constructive feedback from trusted colleagues to view your strengths objectively, reaffirming your marketable skills and bolstering your self-belief.

As an ex-recruiter, I’ve seen how a layoff can shatter confidence. But it’s also a critical moment to rebuild and redefine yourself. Start by reframing your layoff. It’s not a reflection of your worth. Use this time for self-improvement and exploration. Set small, achievable goals initially. Completed a short course? That's a win. Updated your resume? Another step forward. Celebrate these small victories to rebuild your confidence. Each day, write down something you did well or a skill you’re proud of. This daily affirmation can gradually rebuild your self-esteem. Ex-Recruiter Insight: Remember, layoffs are common, especially in volatile industries. They’re often more about the company’s status than your capabilities.

Networking is truly a powerful tool that can help restore your confidence and advance your career. Research also tells us it is by far the most effective way to land your next role! Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and acquaintances for support and advice. Attend industry events, online seminars, and workshops to expand your network and stay informed about job opportunities. Utilise online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and showcase your skills and experience. Networking can not only help you regain confidence but also open doors to new opportunities and potential job leads. Remember, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Now, turn to your network. But instead of directly asking for job leads, seek advice, insights, or even mentorship. This can lead to job opportunities without putting pressure on your connections. “Hi [Contact], I’m taking this time post-layoff to realign my career goals. I’ve always admired your approach to [specific aspect]. Could I get your insights on this?” Engage with your network’s content on platforms like LinkedIn. Comment with thoughtful insights, share relevant articles, and be an active participant in your industry’s community.

Post-layoff, consider enhancing your skills or mastering new ones. Pursuing aligned courses or certifications increases marketability to employers and regains control over your career, boosting confidence by demonstrating adaptability and capacity for growth.

It's normal to feel hurt, sad, or even angry, so give yourself permission to process these feelings without judgment. Then practice self-compassion! Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show a friend in a similar situation. Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins, and remember that setbacks are a natural part of life. Doing things that bring you happy times and relaxation can also boost your mood and confidence. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, hobbies, exercising, or practicing mindfulness, find what works best for you and make it a priority. Seek support from friends, family, or a career coach to help navigate this challenging time. You are resilient and capable of overcoming this setback.

To regain confidence post-layoff, tackle your job search with a strategic plan. Set achievable goals for applications and networking. Customize resumes and cover letters to match job requirements—this approach instills control and mitigates overwhelm, boosting confidence.

Post-layoff, embrace optimism and view the situation as a growth opportunity. A positive mindset attracts new possibilities—trust that the right role awaits, and your resilience and attitude will shine through in interviews and networking opportunities.

I would join a job search club, you’ll accelerate your job search progress, reduce job search fatigue and overwhelm and together you’ll go further. It makes job searching fun and less lonely. I would also treat a job search like a game, so you’ll take it less personally, count outreach activities such as an email as 5 points, a career conversation as 25 points, an interview as 50 points. An inbound email could be 10 points and see if you can beat fellow job searchers or if you don't want to compare and despair play against yourself. And make sure you take time out from job searching, go for a walk, a cycle or spend time with friends or family. Bon Career Voyage