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Here’s the scenario: You score a great job with the perfect organization. Life is humming along nicely and then, seemingly out of nowhere, it happens: you’re downsized. Or outsized. Restructured. Let go. Fired. Laid off. Dunzo.
Whatever the ca(u)se, suddenly losing a job means that you’re the casualty in the company’s endgame.
While it’s tempting to want to stay in bed with the covers over your face (and actually, you should throw yourself a small, inexpensive pity-party), how you move on from the disappoint could be a key factor in how long it takes you to find your next – better, more suitable – gig.
Go ahead, pout. Then plan
Losing a job can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, as can other things associated with career change, such as moving. You’re likely going to feel a rush of emotions. It’s vital that you take time to experience these emotions, without trying to repress them.
Psychology shows us that repressed emotions can manifest in other ways, which can wreak all sorts of havoc with your emotional well-being. So give yourself some time to be upset. Do whatever it takes to release those feelings, because you’re going to need your whole self for the challenges ahead.
Crunch the numbers
The main source of stress for the recently unemployed is usually financial. For many of us, the loss of a steady income can negatively impact your mental health. Also, it’s important to remember that employment challenges can last for a while, so you need to be thinking long-term.
When you start budgeting, be ruthless: extras can wait, even though it can be tempting to treat yourself when you feel like life is going sideways. Most importantly, if you plan to utilize government services such as employment insurance, don’t wait! The process can be long and complicated, and it takes a while before the benefits begin.
Find your Zen
Finding yourself with unanticipated free time can be a huge gift. Take the opportunity to explore alternative ways of personal growth. Find a new hobby, read that book you never had time for, learn meditation, or try yoga. Sometimes these things can lead to new interests, which might lead to a whole new career.
How you move on from the disappointment is a key factor in how long it takes you to find your next – better, more suitable – gig.
At the very least, things like this will help to manage your overall stress levels and help you become a more well-rounded individual. People who are working full-time often don’t have much room in their lives for meandering personal exploration, so take advantage.
Expand your network
It’s been said that a large percentage of jobs these days are NEVER posted externally. With that in mind, the importance of networking becomes clear. The upside is that with the myriad of social tools available to us, it’s actually easier to cast your net. However, the human touch is still vital. So get on the professional blogs and update your LinkedIn, but most importantly, try to actually check in with your most solid contacts.
An informal coffee date or a five-minute phone conversation can actually be enough to renew a professional relationship, and you never know what it could lead to. Don’t be afraid to reach out to that person you haven’t spoken to in a while and let them know you’re looking.
Give your resume a fresh coat of paint
Even if your qualifications are stellar, you may not be doing yourself justice with the format and style of your resume. Consider a professional resume service, or letting a trusted colleague review your documents and suggest edits. They might point out aspects that you hadn’t previously thought to highlight.
Colin Gibson is a writer and communications professional from Toronto, ON.