How to Learn from Job Loss

I was laid off. And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Despite consistently going above and beyond, my contributions were undervalued. It became clear that I wasn't a good fit for the company culture, and I found myself increasingly unfulfilled. Meanwhile, I had been nurturing a side hustle. I often wondered when the right time would be to take the leap and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams full-time. Being laid off taught me some lessons: 1. I was holding myself back, waiting for the perfect moment that would never arrive. 2. The layoff was the push I needed to turn my side hustle into my main focus. 3. I can't control the actions of others, but I can control what I do next. 4. Blaming external circumstances for our unhappiness only keeps us stuck. 5. True fulfillment comes from taking accountability for our happiness. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take: 1. Reframe setbacks as opportunities. Ask yourself, "What opportunities can come from this?" 2. Identify your passions and skills. What energizes you, and how can you use your talents to create value? 3. Take action, even if it's imperfect. Start small and focus on consistent progress over perfection. 4. Find your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and encourage your growth. 5. Embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and expand your capabilities. If you're feeling stuck or unfulfilled in your career, know that you have the power to create change. Your setbacks can become your greatest springboards. What's one small action you can take today to move toward work that energizes you? 

I've been there, 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴... but there is hope at the end of the grief! Losing your job can feel like a sudden storm, upending your life and leaving you adrift. The emotional impact is profound—grief, anger, self-doubt—all crashing in at once. But amidst the tempest, there’s a beacon of hope. As a career coach, I’ve witnessed countless individuals weather this storm and emerge stronger. I’ve walked that path myself. Picture this: a company I adored, where I poured four years of sweat, countless late nights, and where colleagues became friends. Then, life threw a curveball. After a medical leave that had me hospitalized for couple of days and out of work for some weeks, I returned to work with renewed energy. But that very day, I was called to the HR manager’s office. The words hit like a ton of bricks: “You’re fired.” The shock, the questions—what went wrong? I replayed it all in my mind, nights spent tearfully wondering. That job wasn’t just what I did; it was woven into my identity. But here’s the twist: from that loss emerged resilience, growth, and a fresh start. And you, my friend, can find that too. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙟𝙤𝙗 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙡: Allow yourself to mourn the loss. Losing a job is akin to a breakup—it hurts. Acknowledge the emotions, but don’t let them consume you. Grief is a natural part of the process, but dwelling on it can hinder progress. Question yourself: Why did this happen? What could you have done differently? It’s okay to reflect, but avoid self-blame. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control. Reflect on who are you beyond your job title? What skills and passions define you? Use this pause to rediscover your identity. Consider this a blank canvas. What new opportunities await? Explore different paths, even if they seem unconventional. Lean on people you love, friends and family. They’ll remind you of your strengths and lift your spirits. Consider therapy or counseling. Talking to a professional can provide clarity and coping strategies. Connect with others who’ve experienced job loss. Shared stories and encouragement can be powerful. Use this time to upskill. Learn new tools, take online courses, and expand your knowledge base. Taking care of yourself in this journey is extremely important, exercise, meditate, and maintain a routine. A healthy mind fuels resilience. Remember, job loss isn’t the end—it’s a chance for renewal. The storm will pass, and you’ll find a new harbor. You’re not alone; there’s hope on the horizon.🌟

So I’ve been laid off. Now what? Where do I even start? Those were my thoughts in 2020 and 2023 during my layoffs. Anyone who has been laid off thinks that way when they hear the news. What did I do wrong? What could I have done better? Instead of focusing on the past and tying your self-worth to a decision made in some boardroom somewhere… Here’s how to form a strategy and move on. 💥Acknowledge your feelings. Feel anger, fear, anxiety without judgment. Then get ready to act. 💥 Reframe the situation. Instead of focusing on the layoff and the why, focus on the what’s next and the how. What are your next steps? 💥 Set realistic and micro-goals. Have step by step plans and celebrate wins both big AND small. 💥 Make a list of accomplishments. Focus on strengths. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile and keep a brag book. 💥 Make a list of must have’s, nice to have and dream benefits. Find companies that meet these categories. Follow execs on LinkedIn. Engage. 💥 Re-engage with your network. Let them know you’re looking. Ask for referrals and recommendations. Now is NOT the time to be shy. 💥 Find positive sources of inspiration. Surround yourself with good people and look for mentors to help. 💥 Consider a career coach who can help you outline a plan both short and long term. 💥 SELF-CARE is incredibly important now. You’re worthy. And above all.. never forget that a job loss is just that… loss of a job not the loss of who you are and what your worth is Be a good human. PS: if I can help as a career coach I’m happy to see if I’m a fit. I’m always here for support.

🌀 Dear friends - if you or someone you know were recently laid off, this post is dedicated for you. Here are 3 tips from my years working in HR and helping employees navigate this transition that I hope will support you during this time: 🎯 Secure your foundation: Prioritize immediate finances by filing for unemployment and reviewing your severance package. Understand your health insurance options and create a budget to manage expenses effectively during this transition. 🪴Focus on your well-being: Acknowledge and process the emotions that come with job loss – it's natural. Utilize this time for self-care, whether through traveling, hobbies or exercise, to stay positive and resilient. Maintain a consistent routine to provide structure and a sense of normalcy during a time of upheaval. 💻 Proactively rebuild your career: Consider upskilling or reskilling through online courses or workshops to boost your marketability. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight achievements and target desired roles. Actively network with former colleagues and industry contacts, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to seek advice and potential leads. * Resume tips: https://lnkd.in/gSu7-ahs * LinkedIn profile tips: https://lnkd.in/ggJkW7RJ 💡Remember, being laid off is not a reflection of your worth or capabilities, but rather a consequence of business decisions. By addressing your immediate needs, prioritizing your well-being, and strategically preparing for your next career chapter, you can navigate this challenging period with resilience and emerge stronger than before. 🚀 #Layoffs #CareerTransition #JobSearch #Resilience #Networking #OpenToWork

Whether you've been laid off or fired, losing a job is hard. I've been on both sides of the table during my long career in business - having to lay off colleagues and having been blindsided by a layoff from a job I put my heart and soul into - so I feel you. If you're struggling with a job loss, here are a few tips for how to move forward from here: 1. Feel your feelings:  The stages of grief are real and it's important to process your emotions of shock, confusion, anger, betrayal, disappointment, and more. 2. Make the choice that you're ready for your situation to improve: While the early stages of grief are normal, don't let them control you. They can turn into mental traps that hold you back. Ultimately, you have to make the shift from focusing on the past, which you can't control, to the immediate future, which you can. 3. Know what you are optimizing for: Sometimes, a job loss can serve as a forcing function for reflection. Take stock of your current stage in life, what role a job now serves, and what you are optimizing for. If you've built a strong career, you may have earned the luxury to optimize for mission or flexibility or whatever aligns with your evolved priorities. If you are early in your career or have a less established track record, you may need to be less selective and optimize for getting a job quickly that makes use of your strengths and is set up for you to thrive. Ask yourself what you truly are optimizing for because it can't, and shouldn't, be everything. 4. Create opportunities to be inspired: Get out there and meet people, attend events, schedule informational interviews, etc. It is through doing this work that you will gain clarity of what you don't want to do (assuming you have the luxury to choose) and insight into what you are energized by. 5. Put yourself out there It can be hard to be on the job market with the self-doubt and other mental traps that can emerge after a job loss, but you need to put in the work to secure your next job. Revamp your resume and LinkedIn, reach out to companies that may be a fit and pitch yourself (don't limit yourself to only applying to job postings), and let mentors and past colleagues know what you're looking for and how they can help. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. What have been the hardest parts about navigating a job loss for you? What advice can you share? If you found this post helpful, leave a comment below and feel free to repost! You can also follow me for more tips on navigating change in life, health, and career (and download a free guide with the link in my profile's "contact info"). #careeradvice #careertransition #jobloss #resilience

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

Unfortunately, as the year comes to an end and Q4 unfolds, companies are falling short of projections, leading to more layoffs. In the mortgage industry, this trend has persisted for almost two years. For those who are newly laid off, I've shared this type of content before, but I believe it would be beneficial to share it again. Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five grief stages that people often go through with major losses, and these stages are also applicable to job loss: 1. Denial - Disbelieving the situation is real. Initially, you may feel disbelief and shock, thinking there must be some mistake. It's crucial to accept the reality of the situation, resist the temptation to escape, and start the process of moving forward. 2. Anger - Post-job loss, anger can be a formidable emotion. Whether directed at yourself, your employer, or circumstances, it's crucial to channel it constructively. Vent in healthy ways and avoid taking it out on loved ones. Talk to supportive friends, family, or a counselor. 3. Bargaining - As the anger subsides, bargaining may surface. While it's tempting to negotiate with fate, remember that clinging to the past may hinder progress. Instead, focus on positive action, investing energy in propelling yourself toward new opportunities. 4. Depression - Sadness, grief, and reduced energy are normal as you process the loss. Depression signifies the beginning of acceptance, a pivotal step in healing. Accept that setbacks happen, learn from them, and consider this a transformative phase. Find ways to be productive and explore volunteering to regain a sense of control. Support groups can be beneficial. (Note: Seek professional help if persistent unhappiness occurs.) 5. Acceptance - You have come to terms with the reality that this chapter has closed, and a new one awaits. Whether the layoff wasn't your fault or if lessons were learned, recognize your worth and resilience. Embrace the strength gained through adversity, knowing that you are equipped for your next chapter. Not everyone goes through all the stages or in this exact order, but being aware of them helps us cope. The key is to feel the emotions rather than suppress them and seek support if you get stuck. You may emerge wiser and stronger, with new opportunities you didn’t foresee on the horizon. View this as a transition that can lead to something even better. I was laid off in April 2022 after 8 years and being promoted. I went through the grief process and struggled with depression, especially after countless applications and interviews. I made a decision that if I did not find a job by X date, I would venture into self-employment. That's what I did and looking back on it, I'm glad I didn't get another job in mortgage. You are not alone and there are a lot of very kind people on LinkedIn. Use it as a community to help support you.

The feeling of grief during job loss, is REAL. 7 reasons it hurts so bad and how to begin healing: 1) Cash flow you need to live disappears. ➙ When that flow dries up, anxiety fills the void. 💙 Consult with a financial advisor to ensure you manage your finances effectively. 💙 Seek out alternative financial support through part-time work, freelancing, or assistance programs. 🎯 Be prepared: Build a 6-12 month emergency fund. 2) Self-worth gets hammered. ➙ Without a job, you may question your value. 💙 Seek support from a therapist or support group to rebuild confidence. 💙 Focus on personal growth through hobbies, volunteering, or learning new skills to reframe your self-identity. 🎯 Be prepared: Strive to value yourself as a whole person independent of your work. 3) Social connections are severed. ➙ You lose daily connection to friends & colleagues. 💙 Connect with friends and former colleagues to catch-up. 💙 Expand your network by joining clubs, classes, or online communities. 🎯 Be prepared: Make professional networking part of your ongoing professional development. 4) Routine & structure implode. ➙ You may become disorientated and feel lost. 💙 Create a new daily routine. 💙 Schedule time for self-care, exercise, social activities, and job searching. 🎯 Be prepared: Establish a personal daily routine outside of work. 5) Your future becomes uncertain. ➙ Fear and desperation begin to consume you. 💙 Set goals for your unemployment and job search; break each goal into small tasks. 💙 Take courses or certifications to skill-up and become more marketable. 🎯 Be prepared: Future proof your career by having a target list of companies that you are always actively networking into. 6) You feel like you've lost control. ➙ Without agency, you feel helpless. 💙 Focus on what you can control - the future is your focus, the past is behind you. 💙 Practice mindfulness, meditation, and stress management to regain a sense of control. 🎯 Be prepared: Have a career plan that includes personal & professional development activities, a target list of companies, and an active engaged network. 7) Professional goals delayed. ➙ Your temporary setback can feel like failure. 💙 Acknowledge that the delay is not an end - reassess your goals and consider new paths. 💙 Seek out mentors to help provide insight, perspective, and encouragement. 🎯 Be prepared: Build out long-term goals so you always have a North Star to navigate to even if short-term goals need to be adjusted due to a job loss. 💎 Know that you are not alone in feeling grief from job loss. You will overcome it through persistent action. Seek out resources for support in the form of job seeker groups, therapy, and/or career coaching. --------------------------- 💎 I’m Ben ➡ I Empower You To Become Unstoppable in Your Career & Life ➺ Career Transition Consultant 🛡️ I’m also an Outdoor Adventurer and Digital Nomad. #JobSearch #CareerConfidence #ProfessionalValue

I want to share a personal experience that many of us might relate to – getting deeply invested in a potential job opportunity only to learn that the position has been put on hold. A few weeks ago, I found myself in this exact situation. I had gone through multiple rounds of interviews for a role that felt like a perfect fit. Each conversation left me more excited and attached to the idea of being part of the team. I began envisioning my future at the company, the projects I would work on, and the impact I could make. Then came the unexpected email – the position was put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances. It was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the job market and the importance of adaptability. Here’s what this experience taught me: Emotional Investment is Natural: It’s human to get emotionally attached to exciting opportunities. It shows passion and enthusiasm. Stay Agile: The job market can be volatile. Staying adaptable and open to other opportunities is crucial. Value the Journey: Every interview process is a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to refine your skills, understand different company cultures, and clarify what you’re looking for. Maintain Relationships: The connections made during the process are valuable. Keep in touch with the contacts you’ve made; networks are built over time. Stay Positive: A setback doesn’t define your career path. Keep the faith and continue pushing forward. I get it; this is a tough one for me, too. To those who have faced or are facing a similar situation, remember that each experience, no matter the outcome, contributes to your professional growth. The right opportunity will come along. And hey, if that company asked me to come on board now, I would in a heartbeat. They were respectful and kind to me. Regardless of the situation, they were a light in this dark job market. Never burn bridges with good people. #CustomerSuccess #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth 

Lost your job? It's important to keep your sense of self.   Remember that your job is just one piece of your career, and your career is just one piece of you.   First, know that losing a job is often times about much more than just you (and sometimes it isn’t even about you at all!) When I was laid off from my very first job, I was heartbroken. I believed that if I had just been better, they would have kept me. Luckily my stepmom is a career coach, and she helped me see that the market for our business was changing, and that’s why the company laid off not just me but five of the newest people. She taught me the phrase “last hired, first fired,” and helped me understand that it wasn’t personal.   Losing a job is rarely the personal insult we think it is. It can have much more to do with the state of the industry, the finances of the business, and the current needs of a team. Next, it can help to shift your thinking from “it’s not about me” to “here’s what is about me!” Remind yourself that you *chose* your career. It wasn’t an accident (even if you don’t remember all the tiny decisions along the way that led to you ending up where you are.) You had the power to make decisions, and you chose what to study or spend your time learning. You chose which jobs to interview for along the way, and which to accept or turn down. You chose how to present yourself to colleagues and clients.   You have been the driving force behind your career so far, and you are still the driving force behind your career. Getting to where you are wasn’t an accident of fate, it was something you worked for and earned. And you will do it again, because you’re not powerless.   A woman came up to me at an event recently and wanted to talk to me about a job loss that had happened two years ago but was still weighing on her mind. She said “when they fired me, my boss criticized me for things he said I did that weren’t even true. I had just had a great review 6 months earlier! It’s made me doubt that I’m even a good judge of my own work.” It took awhile, but we were able to realize together that if her boss was holding on to beliefs that weren’t even true, why should she trust his judgement of her at all?   Your job is not you. It’s a piece of you, but so is your ability to move forward. So focus on that, and the job part will more easily fall into place!