What do you do if you're facing a layoff in the sustainability industry and need support?

Totally agree with the power of networking, the opportunity always exists it's just that you don't know about it yet. Developing skills to address a wide range of challenges in the sector and trying to build thought leadership is key for networking.

Dealing with a layoff can be emotionally stressful. Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups for emotional support and encouragement. Don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor if you're struggling to cope with the impact of the layoff.

First and foremost, Sustainability is an eye-wash. It is just a buzz-word to appear cool on talk shows or private discussions. Real Sustainability starts at home. How are you treating your home environment? Are you conserving water even though no one is looking? Are you switching off the lights when not required? Are you doing your bit to ban plastic by carrying your own cloth bag for shopping? Are you walking the talk at home? If you say your organisation is sustainable, you should be able to prove the reduction in carbon footprints with data. Like I began, Sustainability is "cool" to speak about but difficult to implement simply because we, as humans, are inherently selfish.

Facing a layoff can be daunting, but leveraging your network is essential for navigating this challenging period. Colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals within the sustainability field can offer invaluable emotional support and potentially lead you to new job opportunities. Professional associations dedicated to sustainability often provide resources for career transitions, such as job boards and networking events. Remember, the sustainability community is a robust network that can serve as your strongest ally during times of uncertainty. By tapping into these connections, you not only gain practical assistance but also reinforce the sense of solidarity within the industry.

Voice out. Don't feel you can figure it out by yourself. Attend events and meet with industry leaders. This affords you the opportunity to sell yourself (elevator's pitch) to sustainability leaders in potential firms. LinkedIn is also a great place to seek support from others to nominate you or provide insights on opportunities around them.

ESG/ Sustainability is an evolving industry wherein recruiters as well as practitioners are going through an overhaul of learning as it is growing everyday which can be intimidating at times. During this phase, it is important to be practical with oneself and make progress each day with one's learning.

Your resume serves as your professional story, particularly in the sustainability realm. Showcase recent accomplishments in renewable energy, waste reduction, or sustainable practices to demonstrate expertise. Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills applicable across various sustainability roles. Incorporate certifications and ongoing education to underscore your dedication to staying abreast of industry trends. Remember, a well-crafted resume not only highlights your achievements but also positions you as a dynamic and forward-thinking professional within the sustainability landscape.

Use this time as an opportunity to update and expand your skills to remain competitive in the job market. Consider enrolling in online courses, workshops, or certification programs related to sustainability, green technology, renewable energy, or other relevant areas. Enhancing your skills can increase your marketability and open up new career opportunities.

Resume, social media profiles and all. Be advised you need to have it always ready, and prepared. Resume building is a work in progress.

Keeping our CV updated is crucial for showcasing our professional achievements to the community. This ensures that when seeking new job opportunities, we have all the details of our past positions well-elaborated. Often, updating our CV at the last minute can lead to missing valuable information that could highlight our experience. Therefore, it is important to maintain an organized and structured format within our CV, allowing the reader to navigate through it as they would a well-told and detailed story.

In my experience having clarity in terms of how to build out your career is key to progress in the right direction. This would be relevant even if you are going through a rough patch, trying to align with your key skills sets and allied sectors. Pivoting is an option but sticking to the core skills would always be an asset.

Have a priority interest (sector, competency, market etc). You can also have secondary options that you are open to. When you have a defined sectoral priority, recruiters and network of friends are confident in your vision that you're not just looking for a new job but building a career. This focus will help you to filter the opportunities at your disposal and tailor your applications to stand out. You can equally focus on your strength fit and close your knowledge gap in the process.

Actively search for job opportunities in the sustainability sector through online job boards, company websites, professional associations, and networking channels. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and passion for sustainability. Consider applying for both full-time positions and temporary or contract roles to increase your chances of finding employment.

In the diverse landscape of sustainability, opportunities abound across various sectors, from corporate social responsibility to environmental policy. During a layoff, explore roles in non-profits, government agencies, or consulting firms that resonate with your expertise and interests. Use this transition as an opportunity to pivot to a new area within sustainability that intrigues you but hasn't been explored. Embrace the chance to broaden your horizons and contribute to meaningful change in a different facet of the sustainability field. Remember, versatility and adaptability are valuable assets in navigating career transitions within this dynamic industry.

Correct. That is why you need some savings prepared to make the correct choice. If you have income constraints you may jump on the first offer, without a proper analysis. check the values of the company, if they align with yours.

During a layoff, financial management becomes paramount. Assess your budget to trim non-essential expenses and extend your financial stability. Investigate potential unemployment benefits and familiarize yourself with the terms of any severance package. This financial buffer provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your job search with confidence and resilience. Remember, strategic financial planning during this period can alleviate stress and facilitate a smoother transition to your next opportunity in the sustainability field.

If you're experiencing financial hardship due to the layoff, explore options for financial assistance, such as unemployment benefits, government assistance programs, or nonprofit organizations offering support to individuals in need. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you require assistance with basic needs such as housing, food, or healthcare.

One of the most crucial elements within our control for achieving a higher quality of life is the management of our finances. It is essential to maintain financial control over our budget, savings, debts, investments, and long-term planning. By being mindful of our financial situation, we will be better equipped to react and manage circumstances that may impact our financial stability. It is imperative to stay financially ahead so that, in the event of job loss, we are sufficiently prepared to overcome the situation.

Amidst a layoff, investing in skill enhancement can significantly bolster your competitiveness in the sustainability industry. Explore online courses, workshops, and certifications tailored to sustainability to enhance your professional repertoire. Consider delving into niche areas like sustainable finance or eco-friendly product development to distinguish yourself in the job market. Utilize this time to deepen your expertise and stay abreast of emerging trends, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to prospective employers. Remember, proactive skill development not only enhances your marketability but also demonstrates resilience and commitment to personal and professional growth amidst career transitions.

Having an active network can be super helpful when you're out of a job: Job Leads: Your network can clue you in on job openings they know about. Recommendations: They can put in a good word for you at companies where they have connections. Advice: They can give you tips on job hunting, resumes, interviews, and more. Support: They can be there for you emotionally and keep you motivated. Development: They can suggest courses or skills to make you more appealing to employers. Networking: They can introduce you to other people who might be able to help you out. In a nutshell, having an active network can open doors and give you a hand during challenging times.

If someone is facing a layoff in a sustainability career and needs support, they can: -Accept and Process Emotions: It's crucial to accept the situation and process the associated emotions. This involves introspection, or engaging in activities that bring mental comfort. - Build a Support System: Reach out to friends, family, mentors, and loved ones for emotional support and advice. - Diversify Identity Beyond Work: Encourage the individual to think of themselves beyond their work life. Diversifying life beyond work can help maintain a sense of self-worth and identity during challenging times. Identifying other aspects that define them can be empowering.