‘We regret having to discharge you of your duties in our company.’ That message, whether delivered through a text, call, email or one-on-one can be shocking and frustrating. Deep in your heart, you know how much you’ve worked hard in your position, but you’ve been terminated anyway.
Incompetence and poor job performance are not the only reasons people get fired. Downsizing, mergers, poor relations with the boss, and unhealthy office politics may get you in an awkward position. While losing a job can be a huge blow, you cannot let the shock, anger, resentment and shame take a toll on you. Recover from losing your job and get back to work quickly this these tips:
Allow Time to Let It Sink In
It’s hard to bounce back after the shocking news of the loss of your job if you don’t let go of your negative emotions. Allow yourself some time for an emotional release. You may want to take some time for yourself to help recover from the news and to make a plan for moving forward. You don’t need a trip to a foreign country that’ll cost thousands of dollars – maybe just a weekend off doing something fun like hiking, kayaking or camping will help you get out of your head.
Avoid making rash decisions or running immediately to any open position to get back to work quickly. The chances are high you’re not in your best mood, will struggle with confidence on the interview, and it may be hard to manage rejections.
Review Your Finances
While you should make it a routine to assess your finances with or without the bad news of a job loss, in this scenario, you have to. You’ll agree that from now on, your finances will be squeezed without the certainty of another regular source of income.
Make sure that you know how long your resources can last before you rush to the first job interview. That’ll help keep your stress and anxiety at manageable levels. Outline your expenses, note down your assets and any other income sources, cut down on unnecessary spending and design a new spending plan.
Make a Plan to Find Your Dream Job
Resume writing expert Emily Kapit recommends a structured job search to help you find and land your dream job and says “your best bet will be to structure your job search, craft your documents, make inroads at select organizations, and interview like a pro.”
Draft your job search plan and then begin executing by getting your resume and social media profiles (especially LinkedIn) updated. Kapit recently joined us for a webinar on “How and Where to Find Your Dream Job.” Watch the replay below.
Start Searching for a Job
Knowing where to look for your next job can be difficult. There are a variety of online websites that promote job opportunities, in addition to career fairs, local job boards, and more. Apply for jobs that match your skill set and fit within your interests. You aren’t guaranteed to get an interview for every job that you apply for so keep that in mind and apply for a variety of positions.
This is when you can leverage IAW benefits — apply for jobs through our website and let our professionals help you get noticed.
Seek Refuge in a Network
Your networking skills will be more valuable than ever when you are looking for a new job. Explore virtual and in person networking opportunities that will help you to connect with people that can help you find the job you are dreaming of.
IAW offers virtual networking sessions every month that will help you to connect with other professional women while also learning valuable skills and insights from career and life coaches.
Don’t Forget About Local Networking Opportunities
Don’t make the mistake of locking yourself in the house blaming yourself for nothing. We recommend that you get out there so you can interact with people that can help you find your next job. IAW has over 100 Local Chapter groups that meet every month. Your networking efforts should end there — even casual opportunities to connect with other women at playdates, coffee meet-ups, or alumni groups can provide benefit.
Lost your job recently? That shouldn’t be the end of your career. IAW is here to support you and to help you find the job you are looking for.
