I recently once again found myself among those seeking work (Thanks, Biden economy). This is far from the first time this has happened to me during my twenty-two year career, so for those for whom this is a new experience, please allow me to share some of my hard-earned experience. Aside from the obvious things (apply, network, etc.) there are some great, less obvious things that you can do to help deal with a job loss and get prepared for your next opportunity.
- If you don’t already have a daily exercise routine, now is a great time to start one. Even if it’s just a thirty minute daily walk, moving your body every day helps release stress, improve cognition, and gives you a daily win.
- Now is also a great time to start journaling, if you don’t do that already. I prefer the Bullet Journal method, but what’s important is what works for you. Use your journal as a way to not only plan your day, but also review it before wrapping up your night. Remember your wins, note your losses, write down any big feelings, and remember that each new blank page sets the past in the past.
- Doing something for others is a great way to help get out of your own head for a while. This is true when you’re working too, but if you’re looking for a new place to volunteer, now is an excellent time. It does the spirit good to help others.
- Learn a new skill, or improve an existing skill. Ideally this is something that may help with your next job, but if there’s something you’ve just always wanted to learn, but never had the time (and it’s not a big expense to get started) there’s nothing wrong with that either. During my first big layoff in 2011, I taught myself how to program in C#. It didn’t necessarily help me get into my next job, but I kept using that skill professionally until a decade later, it is one of my major specialties as a software engineer.
- Finally, remember that this is only a season, and it too will pass. You will find a new job. It might take a few weeks, it might take a few months, but it will happen. Take pleasure in your small wins. Hold your losses loosely. You’ve got this.