You’ve been laid off and are now job searching. How can you stay motivated and positive?

1 Acknowledge your feelings

The first step to cope with a layoff is to acknowledge and process your feelings. You may experience a range of emotions, such as anger, sadness, fear, guilt, or shame. These are normal and valid reactions to a traumatic event. Don't suppress or deny them, but don't let them overwhelm you either. Try to express your feelings in healthy ways, such as talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or seeking professional help if needed. By acknowledging your feelings, you can release some of the stress and pain and start to heal.

2 Reassess your situation

The next step is to reassess your situation and evaluate your options. A layoff can be a chance to rethink your career path and goals, and to explore new possibilities. Ask yourself what you want to do next, what skills and strengths you have, and what gaps or weaknesses you need to address. You can also use this time to update your resume, portfolio, and online profile, and to expand your network and reach out to potential employers. By reassessing your situation, you can gain a clearer sense of direction and purpose.

3 Set realistic and specific goals

The third step is to set realistic and specific goals for your job search. Having goals can help you stay focused and motivated, and measure your progress and achievements. However, you also need to be realistic and flexible, and adjust your expectations according to the market conditions and your personal circumstances. For example, you may need to lower your salary expectations, consider different industries or roles, or relocate to a new area. You also need to make your goals specific and actionable, such as applying to a certain number of jobs per week, attending a certain number of networking events per month, or learning a new skill or tool. By setting realistic and specific goals, you can create a plan and a timeline for your job search.

4 Seek support and feedback

The fourth step is to seek support and feedback from others who can help you with your job search. You don't have to go through this alone, and you can benefit from the advice, encouragement, and referrals of people who care about you and your success. You can seek support and feedback from various sources, such as family, friends, former colleagues, mentors, coaches, or online communities. You can also join or create a job search group or accountability partner, where you can share your challenges, successes, and tips with other job seekers. By seeking support and feedback, you can boost your confidence and morale, and improve your skills and strategies.

5 Maintain a positive mindset

The fifth step is to maintain a positive mindset throughout your job search. This doesn't mean that you have to be optimistic or happy all the time, but that you have to avoid negative self-talk and focus on the positive aspects of your situation. You can do this by practicing gratitude, affirmations, or visualization, by celebrating your small wins and milestones, by learning from your failures and rejections, and by reminding yourself of your value and potential. By maintaining a positive mindset, you can overcome the challenges and setbacks of your job search, and attract more opportunities and success.

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?