Unemployed, Underemployed, Perhaps It Was Time For A Change!

This may not be the best news you have ever heard, but perhaps it is what you need to hear. That layoff, pink slip, or downsize may be the best news you have gotten in a long time. I know you didn’t want it, and you can think of a thousand reasons why this was the worst thing that could of happen to you, but hear me out! Perhaps it was just time for a change?

I read all the time, and most of the amazing and inspirational stories I read about people and their transitions, from mediocrity to greatness, happened when they lost their jobs, often times unexpectedly. Take a minute to soak that in, and be willing to keep that in mind as time goes by. When those people went through those challenges, they thought losing their job was the worst thing that could ever happen to them. Just like you, they were in shock, disappointed, angry and frustrated. Please remember the way you are feeling now is a very normal, and natural response when there is any loss, including a job loss. These feelings all make sense, based on where you are right now, so embrace them, but don’t allow them to make you feel powerless, because you are not. Those stories serve as reminders, and they help us all understand that there is power and hope in transition. You may not see it right now, but when you look back on it, you may find that it was exactly what you needed, so try to stay open-minded!

Radically changes, especially ones we don’t control always get our attention. For instance, your health may have been going downhill because of stress, or perhaps your family was being cheated out of precious time with you, or how about this, it was just time for you to go and do something else, something more fulfilling, or just something different. If you missed all of the other signs, a job loss is one that gets your attention and gets it fast. You may have missed the signs that things were getting bad, or you may of even ignored them, whatever happened at this point doesn’t ‘t matter, what does matter is what you decide to do next.

First, Give Yourself Time To Grieve! It is important to grieve the unexpected loss of a job, or a position, especially if you were not ready to go. Yes, you will probably miss at least some of the people, stay in contact with them, just because you leave the company doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them again. Make sure you have contact numbers, or e-mail to the people you want to stay in contact with, or reach out to them on Facebook, or LinkedIn. Just know that grief is normal and should be expected, especially if you have been somewhere for a while.

Second, Be Willing To Scale Back and Scale Down. Your primary source of income may be reduced, or gone entirely, so take a close look at where you can, and need to make cuts. There is nothing wrong with reducing your cell phone plan, shutting off your cable, deciding not to eat out, or look into other ways to reduce your household expenses. If there are magazines that you aren’t reading memberships that you are not using, and habits that tend to be expensive to maintain, or unnecessary cut them off, or cut them back. Think of it this way, making those changes early allows you to keep more money in your pocket, something that will help you keep resources high, and stress down.

Third, Take The Time To Think About What You Really Want To Do Before You Go Searching For The Same Thing. One of the biggest mistakes, I see people make is not realizing what they want before they start looking for another job. As a job seeker, it helps to be specific. You should know what is important for you and what you need to have on a new job. You should know if there are any deal breakers, for instance are you willing to work 10 hour days, or are you willing to work weekends? Answer those questions before you submit your resume, or say yes, and land a job that you know you are going to hate.

Fourth, Reach Out To Your Network! Each of us has a network, and it important to cultivate it, and nurture it. The people in your network, know people, who know people. You never know who might be willing, or able to help you, or refer you to someone who can help you, until you ask. Be open to helping others, tell people what you are looking for, just in case they run into someone who is looking for someone just like you. Have your resume ready to go, and shoot it off to anyone who is willing to help.

Five Keep A Great Attitude and Keep An Open Mind! One of your greatest assets on this journey is keeping a good attitude. When you beat up on yourself, have a pity party, or allow yourself to get discouraged you make things harder for yourself. Today and every day remember, you found that job, and you will either find another job, or something even better. Be willing to consider some options that you have never tried before, temping, consulting, volunteering, and working for non-profits may all be things you didn’t consider before, try them out. Be open, you never know what could happen if you are willing to give something new a try, you may just stumble on your dream job.

People every year find themselves out of work. So whether, this is your first time, or just the most recent time, isn’t really important, getting back on your feet is! Find out what you will need to do to move forward, and find the people and resources that will help you do exactly that! Your future is better than your past, focus on that and be open to the possibilities!