What do you do if you want to stay relevant in your industry during a layoff?

2 Learn new skills

Another way to stay relevant in your industry during a layoff is to learn new skills that are in demand or that complement your existing ones. You can take online courses, read books and articles, watch videos and podcasts, or join webinars and workshops to acquire new knowledge and techniques. You can also use online tools, such as Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera, to access a variety of courses and certifications. Learning new skills can help you broaden your perspective, enhance your creativity and innovation, and increase your confidence and value.

4 Experiment with ideas

One of the benefits of being laid off is that you have more time and freedom to experiment with your own ideas and projects. You can use this time to explore your passions, hobbies, and curiosities, and see how they can be applied to your industry or to a new one. You can also use this time to test your assumptions, challenge your limitations, and try new approaches and methods. Experimenting with ideas can help you unleash your creativity and innovation, as well as develop your resilience and adaptability.

5 Seek feedback

Feedback is crucial for staying relevant in your industry during a layoff, as it can help you improve your skills, portfolio, and network. You can seek feedback from different sources, such as former colleagues, managers, clients, mentors, or online reviewers. You can also ask for feedback on specific aspects of your work, such as your style, technique, or impact. Seeking feedback can help you identify your gaps, strengths, and opportunities, as well as learn from your mistakes and successes.

6 Stay positive

Finally, staying positive is key for staying relevant in your industry during a layoff, as it can help you cope with the stress, uncertainty, and disappointment of losing your job. You can stay positive by focusing on your achievements, goals, and potential, rather than on your setbacks, failures, and limitations. You can also stay positive by practicing gratitude, optimism, and self-compassion, as well as by seeking support from your family, friends, or professionals. Staying positive can help you boost your creativity and innovation, as well as your motivation and morale.

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?