Bouncing Back Stronger: How to Survive and Thrive After a Layoff!

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with our jobs. Despite our complaints about the workload, we at least feel grateful to have a job that keeps us occupied and helps us pay our bills. A job eventually becomes so embedded in a person’s life over time that we eventually structure our entire day around it and focus all of our time and effort on it in the hopes that our efforts will be recognised and fairly compensated.

But what if you get an unexpected email informing you that your skills would no longer be required and that you have been fired? Simply like that. No reason. No alternative. Just placing the entire blame on the impending recession and the slowdown in world economic growth. Certainly, seems like a nightmare, right? Well, for many people today, this is the case. Mass layoffs have left a lot of individuals stranded with a feeling of insecurity, confusion, shame, and even betrayal.

You can’t get your lost job back, but by believing in your abilities and taking the appropriate action, you can certainly bounce back and get going again.

Take Time to Process the Layoff

A layoff is challenging and may result in strong emotions. After being fired from a job, you could get stuck in a cycle of doubting your value and feeling pressured to find a new job immediately. Unplanned and hurried decisions, however, can result in regret afterward.  And despite how betrayed you may feel, you must realise that layoffs are not a reflection of your skill but rather, sometimes, a necessary financial choice for a company’s survival.

So, you need to take care of your physical and emotional well-being during this time and make a plan for how you will move forward. You can use this time to re-evaluate your career options; whether you want to return to a full-time job position, change careers, launch your own business, or enroll in full-time school, now is the time to consider your options. Whatever you decide, make sure you go into your next interview with a positive attitude and free of any baggage from previous rejection.

Utilize Your Network and Remain Connected.

Today, there are many online communities and platforms where you can join and be visible by potential employers. You can reach out to your professional connections and let them know you are looking for a new opportunity. Update your LinkedIn profile and resume by including current training or certificates and emphasizing your successes and skills.  Instead of relying just on the conventional resume, experiment with a new and original video resume, video introduction, and video referrals to increase your marketability to potential employers. Use this as a chance to promote your strengths.

Reflect on Your Strengths and Upgrade Your Skills.

Consider your strengths and things you enjoy doing. Reflecting on what you best bring to the table can help you identify the type of job you want next. By putting in efforts to acquire the skills you lack, you can become indispensable and get a better position in your next company. Always be eager to learn new things by taking online courses, reading books, creating content, and attending industry events. Your network will grow, and you’ll become a more desirable prospect.

Look for Job Openings.

Don’t pass up any opportunities to land a job once you’ve decided what kind of work you want to undertake next. Search online job portals, corporate websites, and job boards for positions that fit your qualifications. Creating a schedule that includes time for job searching, upgrading skills, self-care and family will help you stay on track.

Staying organized is important when looking for work. You can use apps that make it easier to keep track of the companies you have applied to, the dates of any interviews, and the follow-up steps you need to take. There are such apps available in the market like JollyHires app.

Be Adaptable and Receptive to New Possibilities.

It can take a while and be stressful to re-enter the workforce, and you might not be immediately offered the position you want. Therefore, whether it’s a temporary job, freelancing work, or a different professional path, you need to be open to numerous employment alternatives.

Bouncing back after a layoff can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. But it is important to remember that layoffs happen, and they are a part of the business cycle. With the right approach, you can turn a layoff into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Written by JollyHires Editors

JollyHires is dedicated to connecting job seekers and employers for their next big opportunity. Check out our blog for expert advice on job searching, interviews, and more, based on market trends and employment data. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram and begin your job search or post a job today!