Losing your job is never easy.

Losing your job is never a fun experience no matter how it happens.  You move from having that certainty of receiving a paycheque to not knowing how long it will take to secure your next role.  It is like trading places…  This blog is about 5 things you can do to empower yourself in these situations.

I've been made redundant before and it is never an easy feeling when the news land whether you are prepared or not prepared for it.  Some employers do the decent thing and try to give you a warning so that when the news break, it does hit you like a ton of bricks.  For me I experience several different emotions at the time of hearing the news.  I felt disappointment, anger, bemused, anxiety, let down….  And this was in the first 20 minutes.  Needless to say that those emotions multiplied in subsequent days to follow.  No matter how you cut it; your employer is now saying that we longer need you for that role.  This blog is not designed to discuss the business reasons why an employer might decide to slim down, shut down, amalgamate, or terminate a role.  Once you've been made redundant / sacked/resigned it is no longer about the employer…  It's now all about you.  The relationship has changed.   Your employer has changed the situation.  That is totally out of your control.  What you have control of is how you let this change in the situation affects you.  

What are the steps?

Step 1: Put things into perspective

Breathe and exhale.  Put things in perspective and remember one of the most important things in the scheme of life and remember in the grand scheme of life there are a lot more tragic situations in comparison to losing your job.  You've had a job before and you'll have a job again.  The universe works in mysterious ways and perhaps it’s just time for a change even though you are not prepared for it.   You need to make a decision straight away…

• Is this an opportunity to discover something new?  Is this a challenge that I will embrace or do I now start feeling sorry for myself?  Is this my demise?  You have a choice of how you take this news.  No one can force you to feel sad, go into panic mode, or see this situation as a new opportunity.  My mother normally says "when one door closes another one opens.

Step 2: Change your mindset.

I've lost jobs before and left wondering how long it will take me to find another role.  It took 9 months in one instance and 6 in another.  I've learned the importance of having a positive mindset.

There is much to be said of negative thoughts produce negative actions which in turn give negative results.  The same is true for positive thoughts and actions.  The mind-set I find useful to embrace is that losing my job / becoming redundant is an opportunity for me to demonstrate my skills else. I want a better role than the one I had before.  Accept and come to terms that you’ve lost your job and it’s time to move on.  For me moving on means being thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given to work for this employer.  I have no time for anger or pondering on things for which I have no control.  Moving forward means putting a plan in place to secure my next employment.

Step 3: Make a plan

It is important to take control of the situation.  Taking control of the situation simply means that your time and energy should be consumed with what your plans for the future are rather why and how you are now in this predicament.  It is what it is.   I've spent many sleepless nights wondering and pondering why I've lost my job and why I am now redundant.  It's wasted time, energy, and effort.  It got me nowhere except for giving me bags under my eyes and headaches. Pointless working out what has gone wrong.  It has gone wrong now Move on!  Make a plan on what you need to do tomorrow, in the forthcoming weeks.  Do you need to upskill, how long do I have to find another job?  Depending on your situation you might not have time to play with therefore your energy needs to be focussed on you and what your plan of action is to find the next role.

Step 4: Update your CV and job profile.

It is worth spending time updating your CV with your current skill set.   Remember your CV is your shop window that informs prospective employers of your skills, behaviours, education, and achievements.  I would even suggest getting professional help if required. You want your CV to look smart, professional, and informative.  I am not a CV expert but I do know if your CV isn't on point it will decrease your chances of being seen or "getting a look in.”  Be sure to have your latest CV posted on the CV library.

It is advisable to update your LinkedIn account.  If you haven't got an account then create one as this is one of the main platforms for employers and recruiters to advertise jobs.  Let the world know you are available and open for business.  Actively seeking new opportunities.

Step 5: Start talking.

When I am out of work I tell everybody.  The dog, the fox, the postman everyone except for those I need to keep out of my business.   Contact all the recruiters that have contacted you in the past and let them know that you are available for work.  If no recruiters have contacted you in the past then you can make the first move and contact them via LinkedIn.

Finally… Embrace Change.