So, You Lost Your Job. Now What?
"I just lost my job. I am getting married at the end of the month, and I did not expect it to happen to me. How could they fire me before my wedding? I am at a loss," said my friend. Pain filled the room. Disbelief oozed from her words. Her emotions were wrapped around the questions of "Why me?" "Why now?" "Why no warning?"
I smiled, and commented, "This is life. The days of guaranteed employment are gone." When she asked me for some advice, my comments were:
- Take Care of Yourself. Use this time to do something for you. Read a book. Take a class. Start a new hobby. Go out to dinner with friends. Look forward not back. Do not let a job define you.
- Network. Network. Network. The best jobs are never advertised. Spend your time networking. Reach out to everyone that you know on Linkedin. Do not be embarrassed that you were fired. It happens to the best of people. Ask the people close to you to assess your skills and recommend jobs.
- Do Your Own Assessment. Go to a coffee shop. Make a list of what you like and do not like at work. Then evaluate your last job against the list. Then design what you would like your new position to look like. As you interview, keep refining the work.
- Focus. Work Hard to Get a New Job. Use self-discipline. Don't wallow in self-pity. Get up every morning and make yourself a cup of coffee and get to work looking for a new position. Call friends and old colleagues and ask them for advice. Set yourself a quota for outbound calls and networking emails.
- Let Go of the Anger. Harboring anger takes energy. Let it go. Look at a job transition as a gift. Embrace it as a passage to a better place.
- Build Interviewing Skills. Interviewing is about active listening. Listen to what is not being said and build poise and skill to answer tough questions. Practice.
This is what I shared this morning. I am getting more and more of these calls. I thought that I would share it. I hope that it helps you.
If this helps, check out my other articles:
Pick Your Battles or You Will Get Fired Like I Did
Ten Year Reflection on Using Linkedin
Retired
6 年Good advice.
Behold, the man.
6 年Crime.
Warehouse Management Software Implementation Consulting and Project / Product Management - Remote Only - No contract, onsite or travel.
6 年I found myself in the same situation 28 yrs ago. It was traumatic up until the all the wedding and honeymoon activities kicked off and then I did not have time to worry about it.?It was a blessing in disguise, a lot less hassles while getting ready for the wedding. A lot less to worry about coming back to after the honeymoon. Any additional stress was offset by the pluses. I am still married to the same beautiful bride, the only consequences were a fun story to share and it set me on a very successful career path, I would not be where I am today if it did not happen. Keep the work and personal separate and move on with your plans to start a new life.?Sometimes these things happen when we get complacent and need a push to move onto greater things.Life just happens, enjoy the ride.
Lead Technical Operator Sonoco-Duracell/DHL Technical Operator Duracell
6 年I love it!
Nice Article !!