How to Survive a Layoff: Experts Share Strategies to Help You Bounce Back and Write Your Next Chapter
Exploring your strengths and reaching out to 'weak ties' will help you start fresh—and thrive
Whether the cubicle rumor mill had been grinding for a while, or you felt completely blindsided, there are few experiences in life as stressful as being laid off. While you have to take time to process this loss, being let go often provides the chance to reevaluate goals and find exciting opportunities that align with your values. Here, experts address both the emotional and practical challenges of starting fresh and share empowering ways to survive a layoff by rebuilding your confidence and forging ahead on your terms.
Let yourself grieve
Being laid off is ranked as one of life’s top stressors, says life coach Talane Miedaner, bestselling author of Coach Yourself to a New Career and Coach Yourself to Success. “It’s natural to feel a range of emotions—shock, anger, fear and grief. Too often, we rush into problem-solving mode before acknowledging its huge emotional impact. It helps to talk to trusted friends and write down your feelings to get them out of your head. Then, as you come to terms with these emotions, you can shift from asking, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ to ‘What is the opportunity here?’ It can be a chance for reinvention and even an overdue course correction toward something better.”
‘Diversify’ your identity
Who am I beyond my job? The answer will help you rebuild your confidence and foster a sense of purpose, notes executive coach Melody Wilding, LMSW, author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. “One client got into flower arranging,” she recalls, “while another volunteered to rescue animals—it gave him meaning and structure. Use this time to revisit parts of yourself that you put aside while you were working.”
Woman's World Answers
Look to past successes
“I ask clients to reflect on their job history to create a few connections across their different wins over time,” says life coach Mandy Steinhardt. “This helps them ‘triangulate’ what they want to do next.” For example, you may realize you loved being creative, working independently and mentoring coworkers. Pinpointing three facets you enjoyed will help you focus on new, exciting prospects.
Reach out to ‘weak ties’
When it comes to your job search, you may be surprised that “weak” connections are often the strongest. “Most opportunities come from people who are about one degree removed from you, like the person you met once at a conference,” says Wilding. “You don’t have to come right out and ask for a job. Instead, chat with them and catch up. This will help fill your ‘positivity bucket,’ because people love to help!”
Take small steps
Setting small goals—like updating your résumé and having informational interviews in a field you’re curious about—helps you regain a sense of control, assures Miedaner. “Action is the antidote to fear.” To that end, she says one of the most important steps you can take is shifting your narrative. “Instead of saying, ‘I was laid off,’ say, ‘I’m exploring new opportunities that align with my strengths.’ The way you talk about yourself shapes how others see you.”
Make your resume pop
Consider updating your work title, says Wilding, who recalls a client in the medical technology field whose title was Clinical Research Liaison. “But what does that really mean? Instead of defaulting to her last title, we changed it to ‘Program and Project Manager for X Pharmaceutical Company.’ She got hired faster because that’s what recruiters were looking for.” In other words, clearly describing the value you bring will help you seal the deal.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
