It’s often said that hindsight is 20/20, and reflecting on the year following my layoff, this saying holds absolutely true!
Looking back on the year since being laid off from Accenture, the organization where I had spent the entire 22 years of my professional life, there are significant lessons and learnings that have revealed themselves along the way. Lessons, that if given the opportunity to go back in time and impart these words of wisdom unto my 365 days younger self, would have unequivocally made the journey a bit less scary, a little less emotionally turbulent, and considerably less difficult.
Whether you’re currently navigating the job market, considering a career change, or just curious about the experiences of others these are some of the candid stories, the practical advice, and the honest insights discovered during the journey from Laid Off to Life On. I call them Landmines and Goldmines. If you missed Part I, catch up here for candid stories and more valuable lessons learned.
LaidOff.LifeOn Lesson One: Take Time Away from the Job Search:
Job searching is a non-stop hustle, leading to significant mental and physical health issues that arise from the large number of people who are experiencing unprecedented levels of burnout. Being in the job market today is a grueling, frustrating, and exhausting job. One out of three LinkedIn posts and comments are from job seekers who are working double-shifts, nights, weekends and holidays and who share a dangerous “can’ stop or I will miss out” way of thinking that fuels them to push harder, work longer hours, and miss or ignore the warning signs that their mental and physical health is at risk.
Being laid off and not reporting into a boss or an organization means that we are the only ones who are responsible for set our priorities and staying accountable to our plans. And your priorities absolutely postitively HAVE to include taking time to step away from the job search, LinkedIn, forced networking, ALL of it!
Looking for a new role is a HUSTLE! It is non-stop, 24-7, and can be completely all consuming. Today’s episode is inspired by a question posted on LinkedIn that struck a chord with many of us: “Is it okay to take a break in the job search to go on vacation with my family?”
It’s essential to take breaks regularly. In this episode, inspired by a LinkedIn question, we discuss the importance of stepping away, sharing personal tips for maintaining balance.
LaidOff.LifeOn Lesson Two: Mastering Introductions in Networking
Networking is crucial, but introducing yourself post-layoff can be challenging. We explore strategies for navigating this discomfort, emphasizing transparency, and injecting humor into the situation.
LaidOff.LifeOn Lesson Three: Part-Time Jobs for Skill Building and Networking
Part-time jobs can be goldmines during a career transition. We share a personal experience of taking on a part-time role, gaining new skills, and unexpectedly making valuable connections.
[Include SEO-friendly phrases: part-time job benefits, skill building, networking during career transition]
LaidOff.LifeOn Lesson Four: Deciding When to Let Go – Inspired by “Hotel California”
Inspired by a LinkedIn post, we discuss the challenge of letting go of the past and the desire to return to familiar territory. Questions are provided to help listeners gain clarity on their decision-making process.
LaidOff.LifeOn Lesson Five: Career Transformation Isn’t Mandatory
Contrary to common beliefs, a layoff doesn’t mandate a radical career change. We address the psychological impact of layoffs, emphasizing that being laid off doesn’t diminish one’s qualifications. We encourage thoughtful career decisions.
[Include SEO-friendly phrases: psychological impact of layoffs, career change after layoff, thoughtful career decisions]
