Even the most hard-nosed executive harbors some self-doubt — the little voice that questions decisions and pauses in the face of challenge. And if one thing can turn that little voice into a frenzied chorus of criticism it’s job loss.
Coping with job loss can take time and self assurance. It’s been almost two weeks since I found myself on the corporate chopping block. In the first days, I experienced shock and panic. Now, my job search and daily activities operate over an undercurrent of malaise. I have more difficulty focusing. I notice myself reading and re-reading my correspondence. My train of thought occasionally derails in Worst Case Scenarioville. None of these helps me project my very best self to potential employers.
If you’re coping with your own job loss, it makes sense to spend at least part of your focus mentally preparing yourself for your job search. Here’s a few ideas for moving past a layoff into a brighter future:
- Get it out – Find a way to purge your feelings about the situation. Write nasty letters to your former employer that you’ll never send. Jump up and down and scream a bit. Hit the gym and run it out of you. Whatever you need to do. Spend time destressing each day for the first week or so, and then whenever you feel those doubts and fears sneaking up on you again.
- Get a goal — My first instinct was to rush out and get a job. Any job. Please someone, anyone, just employ me! But then I realized that rarely do you have the opportunity to devote all of your energies to identifying and pursuing your highest and best use. What a shame to lose that chance. Consider where you want to go next. Type of job. Type of company. Geography. Compensation. Look at everything, and make a job search plan.
- Get moving – Take control over something that will move you closer to your goal. Take a class to enhance your skills. Network with anyone and everyone. Make sure you spend time each day taking concrete, if small, steps that move you towards your goal.
- Get comfortable — Understand that a job search takes time, and adjust accordingly. Trim your budget, get a handle on time management, and accept that this may be your state of being for the foreseeable future. As long as you’re being productive, allow yourself to take advantage of the positive aspects of unemployment. Spend more time with friends and family. Read that fantastic book that’s languished on your nightstand. (Business book? Even better!) Balance will help your state of mind.
- Get your story straight — It’s common to feel shame after a job loss, regardless of the circumstances, but shame doesn’t get anyone a new gig. Write yourself a “why I’m looking for a new job” spiel that focuses on the positive. Look in the mirror and repeat out loud until you don’t see any sign of weakness.
Don’t know where to start? Here, you can have mine:
I’m looking for a new opportunity after being downsized due to economic conditions. I really enjoyed my time with Company X and had the opportunity to work on some fantastic and challenging projects, and I’m glad that those experiences have prepped me for the next step in my career. I’ve had the opportunity to really focus on where I can add the most value to my next employer, and this opportunity seems like a great fit. I’d love to learn more.
Or, you know, something like it.
With some mental prep work and a ready made, positive answer for the inevitable question of why you left your last position, you’ll be able to confidently shift the interviewer’s focus to where it belongs — what a great asset you would be to their company.
Related posts:
- Explaining job loss in an interview
- Finding the humor in job loss
- Are you the phoenix? Coping with career challenges
- Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
- The Power of Incremental Choice
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