You've been laid off from your IT consulting job. How can you use this time to recharge and refocus?

The best step is to keep yourself one step ahead of everyone, by doing advance research and development in your areas, connecting to your new clients, getting updates from LinkedIn, and making new connections with candidates by adding up more connections to your network. Adding up your database by giving a fresh touch and coming up with a fresh look in your CV.

I have been involved in IT Consulting for over 10 years. I've seen a lot of layoffs from every angle. Are you a Level 3, 4, or 5 Leader? That's the most fundamental question, I think. If you are a Level 3, then hop back on the horse. If you are a Level 4, maybe you should hop back on the horse. If you are a Level 5, maybe you should look into going into shop for yourself.

Self assessment is the most biased process in the world. And we suck at it! Seek feedback from people who know you well before making plans for the future; you want the first step into your new future to be meaningful and have purpose, and not be hasty and based on emotions anchored in the past.

Assess your situation is a very important phase that will define the trajectory for what's coming next in your life professionally, emotionally and personally. A few days off (if you can afford it) just to relax, decompress, clear up your mind can be a very good way to help you come back and assess your situation with more clarity and determination.

Take advantage of the time you have off to refuel and concentrate. Make self-care a priority, emphasizing your mental and physical health. Evaluate and modernize your skill set via certificates or training. To fine-tune your professional trajectory, consider your hobbies and job aspirations. Make the most of networking chances to establish relationships and investigate different job routes. Take into account the chances of applying your skills in consulting or freelancing. Keep up with developments in the sector. Keep a positive outlook and see the layoff as a chance for both professional and personal development. This time can be a great opportunity to start again and prepare for new professional challenges.

Now that you have this time, use it to your advantage and get around to things like updating you resume and portfolio! While updating, think about the narrative you want to tell potential employers. Each project or role you've undertaken has a story of problem-solving, innovation, or growth. Craft these stories to reflect not just what you did, but how you made a difference. Consider feedback from peers or mentors on your portfolio to ensure it showcases your best work and reflects industry standards.

Being laid off from an IT consulting job can be a pivotal moment to recharge and refocus. A proactive step is to update your resume and portfolio, showcasing recent projects, accomplishments, and newly acquired skills. In my experience, taking the time to reflect on your career goals and aligning your resume to highlight relevant expertise can open doors to new opportunities. One thing I've found helpful is to also update online professional profiles and engage with your network, sharing insights or contributing to discussions, which can increase your visibility in the industry. A mistake to avoid is overlooking the need to tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific roles you're targeting.

The It field is evolving so fast that it is always important whether you are working or not to try to stay update, not only with skills related to your field, but any other skills that are in high demand out there and that can help you be more competitive as you move forward.

There are lots of ways to go about this but no matter which route you chose its important to do. Look for skills that complement your current expertise and open doors to emerging fields within IT consulting, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, or AI. Participating in community projects or open-source initiatives can also provide practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Networking with professionals in areas you're interested in can give you insights into the skills most valued in those domains, guiding your learning journey towards the most impactful areas.

Being fired from your job can be a difficult moment, but it may not be difficult, it depends on how you experience it. I have never had this experience,but it can also represent an opportunity to reconsider your priorities, recharge your batteries and focus on new opportunities. I would use my free time to explore different career options and sectors that might interest me.This could be the ideal time to try something new or look for job opportunities that allow you to grow and develop professionally. I would invest time in actively searching for job opportunities and be proactive in approaching companies that might be interested in my skills. Getting fired means you have the opportunity to explore new possibilities and grow professionally.

Hobbies are one of the best way to help you go through this though time. Try to find activities you enjoy doing with loved ones and make sure you surround yourself with people who really love you, care about you and who can bring the laugh and the best out of you while trying to stay away from negative energies and attitudes.