When the Unexpected Happens
Few career moments are as jarring as being let go from your job. The news can feel like a tidal wave, leaving you disoriented and questioning your next steps. Yet, this turning point can also be the start of a new, empowering chapter. Let’s walk through practical strategies and insights, grounded in research and lived experience, to help you land on your feet and rise even higher.
Allow Yourself to Process the Shock
After a layoff or termination, emotions run the gamut: shock, anger, sadness, even relief. Give yourself space to acknowledge and feel these reactions. Research from the American Psychological Association highlights the importance of emotional processing in navigating major transitions. Journaling, talking with peers, friends or family members, or engaging in mindfulness practices can help you work through the initial turmoil. You’re not expected to “bounce back” overnight; give yourself the same empathy you’d offer a close friend.
Redefine Your Self-Worth
Careers often become intertwined with our identities, especially for ambitious people. A job loss can therefore feel deeply personal. Remember, your value extends beyond your current role or employer. Look back at your career journey: the skills you’ve honed, the challenges you’ve overcome, the relationships you’ve built. Consider making a list of your accomplishments, feedback from colleagues, and moments you were proud of. These are reminders that your professional worth is built on a foundation much stronger than any one role.
Set aside time to reflect on what you want next. Sometimes, an unexpected job loss provides a rare chance to reassess your goals. What did you love about your previous role? What would you like to do differently?
Reach Out for Support
This is the moment to lean into your network which hopefully, you’ve been cultivating. Sponsors and mentors are invaluable when navigating job transitions. Sponsors can make introductions or recommend you for new opportunities, while mentors may offer perspective and help you reframe the situation. Don’t hesitate to let trusted colleagues and contacts know you’re in transition.
Invest in Yourself
Professional setbacks can be springboards for growth. Take advantage of this period to upskill or learn something new. Whether it’s an online course, attending industry webinars, volunteering for a new project, or for a cause you’re passionate about, trying a new hobby or finally sitting down to write the book you’ve long been procrastinating, can give you back some energy and joy, which are important in building back your self-esteem and confidence, while also building new capabilities that can make you even more marketable.
Strategize Your Next Steps
Once the initial shock has passed, start mapping your job search with intention. Update your résumé and LinkedIn profile, emphasizing transferable skills and key achievements. Reach out to recruiters, connect with professional associations, and attend networking events, even virtual ones. Set manageable goals for your search, such as reaching out to a certain number of contacts each week or applying to a set number of positions. Keep in mind that looking for a job is a job in itself so, you need to set aside time and grow a thick skin to avoid rejection from weakening your resolve.
Practice Self-Compassion and Resilience
This is a tough process; the sooner you make peace with that fact, the sooner you’ll be on your way. You will need to build resilience so that rather than getting discouraged by people not answering your notes or your resume submissions not getting enough traction, you can move forward, step by step until you reach your goal. You may want to take periodic brakes from searching and use the time to do something joyful that builds back your energy.
Remind yourself often that career setbacks are common, and most accomplished people have faced similar challenges. Maybe it’s a good time to read a few bios from well-known CEOs, all of whom got fired at one time or another in their careers. (Here are just a few: Steve Jobs, Carly Fiorina, Jack Dorsey, John Scully) Celebrate small wins, whether it’s completing an application, reconnecting with a former colleague, or learning something new. Each action is a sign of your tenacity and commitment to your future.
Turning the Page with Confidence
Losing a job hurts, but it doesn’t define your story. By giving yourself space to process, reconnecting with your network, reflecting on your values, and investing in your growth, you position yourself for an even stronger comeback. The next chapter in your career is waiting—and your experience, wisdom, and drive are exactly what the professional world needs. Step forward, one empowered stride at a time.
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