Next Adventure: Staying Grounded

I've been laid off three times in my career. While each time is different, there are some things that are constant and aren't always part of the knowledge base. "Next Adventure" is an article series that covers some of the basics, especially if you find yourself involuntarily unemployed. These are the things no one tells you!

?My background is not in recruiting or hiring, my voice is from the candidate perspective after spending more than 7 collective years in job search mode. I hope you will find value here, keep helping each other to your next adventures.

?My first layoff was in 2008, about three months before everything came crashing to the ground. The four months prior were incredibly stressful, as I could see what was coming. Compounding it all, I’m a career-focused person (always have been), I’d built this role and division from the ground up and grown it for four years. One of my favorite roles I’ve ever had, my division was in the black so I couldn’t understand why this was happening (I learned later, but that’s a story for another day).

If you weren’t in the workforce yet in 2008, or didn’t have family members affected, imagine 2020 on a greater scale, at a greater rate of speed, with an even greater level of economic panic. Every day there were more people in the unemployment office, the whole experience sent me into a tailspin that is hard to explain today. In spite of the vast number of layoffs, I knew no one else in the same position. In a job search climate where there were literally zero jobs being posted (but all the unemployment rules remained), I got audited three times in six months. All these years later, I still avoid getting the mail because of that auditing experience.

As I worked to navigate this ever-worsening, jobless landscape, I recalled a science class where I learned that high levels of cortisol brought on by stress prevent memory retention and reduce the ability to learn new things. Cortisol levels can be reduced with exercise, so I began to walk outside every day, regardless of weather. The walks got longer and further. I started going to our local trail system daily so that I had distance available without endless loops. Weight disappeared, I got faster. And then I wondered why I did around 8 miles a day for no reason. So I started doing foot races, choosing them based on the charity they supported. I did a few 5Ks, but quickly I locked into half marathons (13.1 miles). A former terrible sprinter, I’d found my outlet in distance walking. I walked fast, outpaced some runners. I completed 5 half marathons in 28 days to gain entry into a sought-after local half marathon club.

Racing gave me something to focus on, goals to achieve. Over two years I completed 19 half marathons in WA, AZ, CA, and HI. I learned a ton about body mechanics, nutrition, training, and mental fortitude over those two years and found a bunch of new friends in the process. It served me well when I eventually became a technical footwear fitter for four years (but that too, is another story).

There are many ways I’ve found to stay grounded over the last 15 years and three career layoffs. I’m sharing a few of those that worked for me, maybe these ideas will lead you to the things that work for you.

Get Moving

Based on my introduction above, it should come as no surprise that my first suggestion is to go outside! Numerous organizations have researched the many benefits of getting out into nature to reduce stress and manage various health conditions. It doesn't need to be complicated, here are a few ideas:

• Take a walk! Stay in your neighborhood or go to a nearby park. Use an app to track your time and mileage, some even have charities attached where your favorite organization gets some cash based on how far you walk.
• Join a group on Meetup.com. There are so many types of groups doing all kinds of things! Most are free to join, you can make friends (and maybe even network) while you're exploring a new area or trying a new activity.
• Look for books or websites that highlight interesting spaces in your area. I love the Seattle Stairway Walks book and accompanying website for finding cool new spots while getting in a stair workout (they even have a Meetup group!).
• Do you have a dog? Now is your chance to get out on the trails with your pup! Don't forget about urban trails within parks (in my area we even have some neighborhoods with built in trail systems). Often these areas are less crowded and surprisingly peaceful. Be sure to obey leash laws and bring a bag to scoop your poop!
• If you can't get outdoors, movement of any kind is good. I'm a fan of Wendy S Wiseman and her Taming Your Tension newsletter. Her entire being is focused on getting people moving to reduce stress, restoring health and joy. She's often live on LinkedIn and posts daily, but you can also find her on YouTube and on Circle. Subscribe to her newsletter for the latest scoop and join her waitlist at StartTamingYourTension .

Create Peace

There are a myriad of Apps out there to help restore peace to your life, everything from therapy to meditation to yoga, and lots to be had for free or at low cost. Below are a few things I've discovered, I'm sure you'll find many more!

• Headspace is an established place to meditate and get grounded. They have a 14 day free trial and multiple plans to help with pricing.
• Balance is another meditation app, this one won Google's Best App of the Year Award in 2021. For a limited time, your first year of Balance is free.
• You've probably heard about the virtual therapy app, BetterHelp . They have excellent customer service, and a sliding scale available for those who have financial hardship (you will need to ask for this).
• Sholder is a different kind of place to get grounded. "Sholders" as they are called, aren't therapists, they aren't exactly coaches either. They are scientists, caregivers, humanitarians, and others trained to help us process our emotions and clear the path. First session is $37.50 using code SHOLDER50. If you are part of #REILayoffs and have an interest in this platform, please reach out to Dr. Pepper Roney or myself for a special code.
• The Calm app may also be familiar to you. They offer a seven day free trial which will put you on a mailing list, you may then receive discounts for subscriptions via email. I mention this because on this app you will find many "colors" of noise. My personal new favorite is brown noise, for focus and concentration (rumored to be especially grounding for those with ADHD). Hot Tip: For free, access my favorite 12-hour brown noise loop by Jason Lewis of Mind Amend?.
• Not an app, but one of my favorite tactile things: Calm Strips. I can't believe how this business has grown in only a couple short years! Calm strips are sensory stickers you can place anywhere (phone, laptop, books, wherever!), they have a texture to them, providing a calming feeling for many. They have so many fun designs now, plus a 15% off sale and free US shipping this month using the code LOVE. I love having one on my laptop for focus during interviews.
• A word about coaches. They work wonderfully for some, not so much for others. Remember there are many types of coaches: career, business, personal, life, financial, the list goes on and on. There are a huge number of coaches on LinkedIn currently. If you think an individual coach or a coaching program may be what you're looking for, here are a few things to consider: their background before they were a coach, where their credentials are from, how long they've been coaching, how their program is structured, and what you hope to get out of working with them.

Volunteering

Searching for a new role 8 hours (or more!) every day isn't good for anyone. Use some of your hours to volunteer for an organization you love. Or maybe one you want to work for! Networking happens everywhere and the time you give to others not only helps the organizations who need it, you may also experience better mental health.

During one layoff I made a transition to healthcare, and decided to look into the volunteering program at my local hospital. I ended up staying there for four years as a volunteer, working four hours every Tuesday in a diagnostics area, getting patients and their paperwork ready for imaging. I learned a lot, helped reduce stress for the front desk and techs, met many wonderful people, and had a great time. I've also volunteered with my local dachshund club for 16 years, with a regular influx of new members I always have a networking opportunity while I pet a long dog.

Make sure you can commit to a particular shift or a certain number of hours every week, organizations count on your presence as they would a paid employee. These jobs may not all be physically demanding, some groups need help with social media, website building, answering email, or marketing. Here are a few ideas you might look into, depending on your interests:

• Local Food Bank
• Animal Rescues and Shelters
• Local branches of national organizations like Rotary
• Hospitals and other healthcare entities
• The classrooms of your kids!
• Conservation organizations in your area
• Taproot Foundation matches professionals with nonprofits for pro bono projects. This work is rewarding but also may lead to great networking and future freelance work or even full employment!

Listen In

There are a whole slew of podcasts out there, and many are in the job seeker space. You may want to listen to pods that are rooted in your industry, or maybe you love the big ideas from leaders like Adam Grant, Simon Sinek, or Daniel Pink. I listen to a bunch of different podcasts on different subjects (full confession to being a true crime fan for going on 30 years), and you may know that as a former Audie Awards? judge, I'm really picky about voices and production value. Here are a few I like that will share some great info while keeping things interesting and fun (all can be found "wherever you get your podcasts"):

• The Job Pod with Elijah Drown is my newest discovery. The production quality is excellent, with just enough flair in the intro to capture my attention. Elijah is a fantastic, energetic host, asking engaged questions of his varied, capable guests. Episodes are easily digestible at around 20 minutes each, perfect for listening as you walk around the block.
• 50, Not Dead , hosted by extraordinary coach Kamrin Eriksen Huban , is filled with stories told by women (all around age 50) who have led extraordinary lives. They all have important tales to tell, skillfully led by Kamrin's thoughtful queries. Be sure to listen to Kamrin's 20 minute intro story first, it truly illustrates why she is such an incredible woman, coach, and champion for other women.
• Retail Pride is the love letter retail executive Ron Thurston wrote to the industry (yes, he also wrote a book of the same title). With a variety of intriguing guests from all corners of retail, Ron skillfully extracts stories and guidance from retail leaders while honoring the day-to-day details that are a part of those working every day with customers on sales floors. Also check out his website Retail Pride , to see where he's headed next on his current airstream tour of America.
• Don't let the title of Exploring! Washington State prevent you from listening if you live in another state! Host Scott Cowan uses his fantastic voice to share fascinating stories about the people who live here, and he does it four days a week! Each day of the week has a theme so you can tune in on the day that interests you most. Scott also runs the website Explore! Washington State which is an incredible resource for things you can do to.....stay grounded.
• Most Wednesdays, I talk about books and occasionally podcasts over on The Idea Hound? . Search #WordsOnWednesday for a complete list of what I've highlighted since last July.

Don't allow anyone (especially yourself) to make you feel guilty for giving yourself time to breathe during your job search. Taking time for yourself is essential not only for your mental health but for your ability to present the best version of yourself as you apply for your next adventure. Please feel free to share the discoveries that keep you grounded in the comments, and thanks for reading.

Spot. Track. Fetch!?

?At?The Idea Hound? ?we spot opportunity, track a plan, and fetch success for anyone chasing a brilliant idea!

We elevate brand by auditing and improving processes, implementing unique strategies, and producing exceptional projects. Visit our?website ?to learn how we can unleash brilliant ideas together.