Rebound After Job Loss

The U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7 percent in April 2020, the highest since the Great Depression.  If you are reeling from the news that you are one affected, you are far from alone. 

Losing a position unexpectedly can create a range of feelings from anger, grief, betrayal, anxiety, self-blame, fear, and significant stress. Layer on this world crisis and it is no surprise to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Navigating these feelings and leading a productive job search can seem counterintuitive. 

If you find yourself unemployed unexpectedly, there are actions you can take that will give you the control you need to land your next role. These actions, done consistently, will validate your productivity, grow your confidence, and increase your positive engagement with potential employers. Each action feeds the other. All will take work and commitment, there are no shortcuts.

1.    Allow yourself time to grieve, but not too long. When I was dealt tough times growing up, my Grandma would say, “Cry it out, wipe your tears, and get back at it.” If you are laid off, release the feelings the situation incurs.  Talk to a mentor, your spouse, or a friend, and let it out. Eat a good meal and get a good night’s rest. The next morning it is time to get to work. 

2.    Get a handle on your finances. Knowing assets and your accessible cash is critical. Involve your family in cost cutting efforts to extend your cash as long as you need. Understanding this timeline will help keep anxiety in check. 

3.    Create your plan.  You are the marketable product and/or service, what is your Go-To Market Strategy? What value do you bring the market, and who will benefit from it? Who is your target audience, and how will you get their attention? Ask yourself about geography, size of company, technology, type of role.  I offer more detailed advice on how to proactively tap the hidden job market here.

4.    Leverage technology. Tools like LinkedIn represent ourselves as subject matter experts by our profile and activity, and network at scale. “Follow” companies of interest, ensuring you comment, like, and share to encourage engagement. 

5.   Volume and consistency is key. Job search activity is a daily requirement. Even if you have an interview for something that seems perfect, keep your momentum high and engage with the right activities consistently. There is nothing like the disappointment of not getting a position if it was the only one in serious consideration.

6.   Surround yourself with positivity. Who you spend time with, what content you read, what you watch, and what you do will all influence your outcomes and how you feel along the way. Whenever you have a choice, stay clear of negativity.

7.    Prioritize self-care. Keep a similar schedule that includes sufficient sleep, a healthy diet, exercise and mindfulness.  Looking for a new position is taxing, but don’t spend all day and night staring at the computer without mental health breaks and time with family. Remember, when you go back to work, you will not have this available time again. Uncover the gifts of the moment.

Job loss is touted as one of life's most significant stressors. If you find yourself in this period, understand there are many areas where you have control. Taking the appropriate actions on a consistent basis, keeping the right mindset, and keeping your health as priority will yield results. Make a plan, execute, reflect on progress and adjust along the way.