6 Conscious Practical Steps to Take After You Are Laid Off

One of the things that dawned on me as I began writing this piece was that nobody said to me when I lost my job that it was shit.

Now, I'm not one to run away from emotions so I wanted to say today yeah, it is shit and I can relate and be empathetic.

Here is some practical advice with layers of empathetic energy from my head and heart.

I hope it helps.

1. Allow yourself to process the grief then breathe.

It's shit, I get it and I have been there. Be comfortable sitting with the ego-bruising it brings but also be self-compassionate.

Go easy on yourself as you begin to find your future focus. Without healing, there can be no harmony with your future professional self.

2. Create the space to curate a list of your strengths and weaknesses.

I guarantee there will be more strength.

3. Tell people you lost your job and are looking for a new one.

Once you have healed open up and allow opportunities to show up. That is not to say you won't have to do the work, you do but if you don't put it out there it can never come back to you.

You don't have to feel shame. I guarantee you so many will relate and help you to create new focus and direction.

4. Consciously curate your entire network

Not only on LinkedIn but everyone who you have had a good experience with and learned from in your whole career. When you have the confidence and courage to reach out take a chance and do so.

When you reach out, people want to help especially in times like we are experiencing today.

5. "SEO" your LinkedIn

Use words that will help your profile be stand out recruiters. Put industry-relevant keywords in your Headline, About and Experience section. Find the right keywords by examining job descriptions, look at other people's LinkedIn profiles, and use a Google keyword tool.

And finally...

6. Embrace it

I know it may seem overwhelming but there is great excitement reinventing yourself. You can read my blog on my own reinvention here. Many people find they have been living a professional void for a long time. They have filled it with habits that have not served their benefit.

Now is a great time to fill that void with things you value and realign with resilience and direction.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the best of success with your search and future career.

Feel free to check out my blog in more detail or my LinkedIn for daily tips and advice.