Being laid off from a job, whether you know it’s coming or not, can send you for quite the spin. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. In fact, in 2018 alone, U.S. companies laid off 21.9 million workers. Though it’s easy to take a sudden layoff as a hit to your self-esteem, it’s more often a reflection of a company’s performance than of your own.
After allowing yourself to mentally adjust to your new reality, take the time to get your ducks in a row before starting a new job search. First, take a careful look at your financial situation. Without a regular paycheck, how long can you survive on your savings? Use a budgeting app like Mint to get a full picture of your finances and to know where to cut back as needed. Next, as you plan your next move, prioritize updating your resume to highlight your top accomplishments, build and tap into your network to suss out new opportunities, and consider working with a recruiter to find the best fit for your goals.
Ultimately, though a sudden layoff can completely change your life, it can force you to consider what you really want out of your career and be the launching point for a new, perhaps more fulfilling path. Instead of looking at it as a failure on your part, embrace your new situation and take advantage of the break to really assess your next career move.
For even more tips to bounce back from a layoff, check out the infographic from Turbo below:
