Layoffs: How to deal with them and prepare for your future

It’s a dilemma!

Recent restructuring and layoffs have left many, including my friends and peers, in an unpleasant experience.

I know how difficult and frustrating they can feel. I went through it last year as well!

Here are a few of my observations and insights for those who experience this situation to land jobs during this phase:

1. Reflect on Your Achievements:

Don’t underestimate the value of the experience and skills you've gained in your previous roles. Take a moment to review and note your professional accomplishments and success stories. Build for yourself something called a ‘Value Validation’ document.?

This exercise will boost your confidence and equip you to navigate the challenges ahead, including job searches and interviews.?

2. Assess Your Needs:

Losing a job, especially with little notice, can be a disturbing experience that prompts you to reevaluate your career goals. While actively seeking new employment opportunities, consider using this time to clarify whether you still desire a corporate role, aspire to start a business, or have other life objectives.

3. Invest in Self-Improvement:

Your job loss is not a result of your skills and competence.?

But it is always beneficial to strive for excellence, especially when you start a fresh job search.?

Before securing your next position, fill any skill gaps and enhance your qualifications. This investment can position you for a stronger role in your next role.

4. Maintain a Positive Outlook:

Approach this testing period with a calm mentality, and your? job interviews with a positive mindset, despite the challenges of a sudden job loss. I completely understand your emotions but let me share something from my experience: you cannot cry over spilled milk.?

If you find yourself overthinking about past actions, consider taking a break from your job search to spend quality time with your family and friends or engage in activities that uplift your spirits.

Be gentle on yourself, and always remember?

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5. Leverage Your Network:

Experiencing a mass layoff means you're among many individuals seeking new employment. Reach out to former colleagues and tap into your professional network including recruiters and placement companies to explore potential opportunities that align with your qualifications.

Additionally, don't hesitate to reconnect with former supervisors or managers to express your interest in returning to their organization.

6. Searching for a Job is a Full Time Job!

Keep your discipline and organize your time and schedule, embrace a daily routine and set plans (A, B, C… etc) for job search, job applications, networking goals and conferences attendance.?

Don't be trapped in a frustration mode if interviews or replies get delayed.

And the golden rule here:

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7. Manage Your Financials

Set your own financial measures in this critical period to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Review your old records and books, search for expenditure alternatives, and list down your realistic options including savings, change, and timelines.

If you haven’t set this earlier, it’s time to invest in your side hustle, it will help in this challenging period and may turn into your full-time job one day.

8. Register for Unemployment Insurance

Job search can be long and difficult. And your consistent monthly income takes a hit as well.

Fortunately, some countries, including the UAE, launched an unemployment Insurance scheme in 2023.

The scheme is mandatory for both private and public sector workers and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, October 1. (Source: TimeOut Dubai)

While losing a job is obviously difficult, it also gives people the chance to explore new career options, build resilience, and eventually become stronger and more flexible in their always-shifting careers.

My friend, you need to be solid, have faith, and keep your momentum.

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Repost this with anyone who you think needs it.

I have a few spots open for mentorship. You can book your FREE Career Discovery call?here.

You can refer to my previous editions too for career planning, personal branding, and LinkedIn insights.