A job loss can be a brutal blow to take. Whether you’ve been fired or laid off, it can be hard to get yourself back in the game and find a new job if you’re feeling down or stressed about the one you lost.
These tips will help you bounce back after losing a job so that you can start healing and get ready for your next career move.
1. Give Yourself Time to Grieve
It’s hard not to become wrapped up in your job. After all, you spend anywhere from 8 to 10 hours there a day, sometimes more, you make friends there, and your job gives you a sense of purpose.
It’s normal to feel down about losing your job, even if it’s one you didn’t really like. It’s healthy to grieve, and doing so will help you get back into the workforce easier.
2. Stick to a Routine
Give yourself a little vacation time before jumping back into the workforce if you are able to do so. A little two-week staycation can be good while you process your loss. It can be an excellent time to take care of some of those chores and projects you’ve been meaning to do.
But once it’s done, you need to get back to maintaining a regular schedule, using your normal work hours to focus on your job search, updating your resume, or learning a new skill. Doing so will make it easier to fall back into working at a new job and will help to alleviate the stress of a job search.
3. Consider New Opportunities
Is there a new skill you’ve been wanting to learn or a new type of job you’ve been considering? If so, now may be the perfect opportunity to try something new, learn new skills, or completely change careers.
4. Assess Your Skills
You may have skills you don’t even realize. Maybe your last job involved marketing, but you keep track of the finances, budgets, and investments at home. An online class can be just what you need to boost your financial know-how and apply for jobs in accounting. When thinking about your skills, don’t limit yourself to just what you did at your old job; consider all your strengths.
5. Don’t Take Rejection Personally
Just because you’re not offered the position you were hoping for doesn’t mean they don’t like you. It simply means you weren’t the right fit for the job. Keep your chin up and know that a better opportunity is waiting for you.
6. Ask for Help
According to Mindtools.com, “Your career, finances, and self-esteem can all be hit hard.” Talk to friends and family about what you’re going through. They might be able to offer some valuable advice.
Or talk to a Career Coach or recruiter to help you find the right opportunity. If you’re having trouble with depression, seek professional help and the support of your family. Job loss can be a difficult time, but you don’t have to go it alone.
Bouncing back after losing a job can be difficult, and it’s healthy to feel depressed and stressed about the future. Give yourself time, ask for the help and support you need to get to where you want to be, and be open to new opportunities; you’ll bounce back a little easier.
I Am Here To Help
If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice and want to talk about navigating it and planning for your future, reach out to me, Rachel Schneider with Career Find for a free Intro Call. I would love to speak with you to determine if I can help you accomplish your goals.