Life Tips for Laid Off Professionals in their 40's & 50's

If you just got the news that you were laid off and you are in your 40s or 50's it can be really scary.

If this is you first off I want to say, I'm sorry, I see you. I was in your shoes and I know it sucks. It pissed me off. I was scared, I got angry and then I went into panic mode. Let me tell you from first hand experience if I could have done it over again, and I really hope I don't have to, I would have worried less. The feeling of panic and worry puts our minds, and bodies in a negative state. The energy we put out is negative and nothing good comes of that.?

When you are looking for a job you want to be in a state of positivity, openness and confidence. The road ahead could be a short one, or a long one and you need to be prepared and in a good healthy?state,

The following tips are life tips to help you through this challenging time.?

Take a week off and do nothing. Yes I said nothing. The immediate reaction is going to be to get out there and look for a new job right away. I am going to tell you to take a week and let the news settle. Whatever the case, you were most likely working your butt off before this happened. Let your brain and body rest for 1 week. There will be time to get your resume ready.

• Look at your finances and see if there are places you can trim down. Do you need to be in the $100/month wine club? Do you need to go to your $150/hr personal trainer 3X a week? Can you find a local bank offering a low or no interest credit card? I found that and it made all the difference. I knew this situation was not going to last forever and I am not someone who likes to carry credit card debt but I also didn't want to stop going out to dinner with friends or buy myself a matcha at my favorite coffee shop. So for the first time in my life I had a credit card balance. I found a credit card that had no interest on balance transfers and new purchases for 18 months. That saved me, both mentally and it kept?some semblance to my lifestyle.?
• Take care of yourself. What I mean by that is eat good healthy whole foods, drink water. Pick your exercise routine back up. If you can't afford a gym, find workouts you like on YouTube or Instagram. There are TONS of great workouts on-line. If you want to try yoga, Yoga With Adrienne ?is awesome. Looking for something more advanced? The Floating Yoga School has great classes for all levels. If Pilates is your thing, Move with Nicole is great. ?Go for walks outside. Whatever your jam, find it and do it. Moving your body in a way that makes you happy is important all the time but now it's even more necessary. Getting the stress out of your body with movement is key.?
• Dust off your resume and LinkedIn profile and get it ready for your job search. When I say ready I mean update it, take off the tasks you no longer want to do, focus on the work you enjoy doing. Make sure your resume includes your achievements, what you have accomplished in your career thus far. Use LinkedIn or Indeed to search job posts and use them to help you craft compelling?bullet points for your resume. Update your LinkedIn profile. If you are going to be found, chances are it's going to be on LinkedIn, so make sure it's updated. It's okay if your resume is more than one page.?
• Build a network of supportive people to help you find a new job. Have it be people who can introduce you to new people that can help you get a job. Seek out a recruiter who is placing people at your level. Set up calls each week with former colleagues or bosses. Share what happened and every call by asking if there is anyone else they can introduce you too.
• Take 20 minutes and write out your dream job. Not only how much money you will make but the problems you will solve, the conversations you will have, what will you wear, how will this job affect your whole life. Since you have the chance to find a new job, it might as well be something you love.?
• Use this time to read the stack of books you have been meaning to read. Or to try cooking that complicated recipe you have been wanting to make, or clean up the garage like you have been talking about for the past year or whatever that thing is at the bottom of your to do list. Staying in action is important, it keeps your mind in a positive place. Feeling good about cleaning out the garage is great.?
• Volunteer. There are tons of great organizations that need help. Studies show that giving back increases your endorphins. It's also a great way to meet new people.?
• Don't focus your job search on job?boards. They are swamped and LinkedIn is a social media platform which isn't always helpful. Make sure you aren't randomly scrolling for hours at a time,?on LInkedIn or any other social media platform. Focus your job search on networking. If you do see a great job you are 100% qualified for then see who you know who works at the company that can submit your resume or even better introduce you to the hiring manager. Look at your contacts in your phone to see who you haven't checked in with in a while.?
• Be grateful. I think it's important during stressful times to remember what you have. Practicing gratitude is another way to lift your spirits. Take the opportunity to write reviews for your co-workers to help them. Make 1 call a week to someone just to say hello and let them know you are happy to have them in your life. Mend broken relationships. Keep a journal.?

Remember this too shall pass.