November 29th, 2023 changed my life. On this day I was laid off from what at the time, felt like a dream role managing partnerships for an up and coming start up. I felt like I was finally getting the respect and pay I deserved. Reflecting back though, everything really wasn’t what it seemed—but in the moment my ego was fed and my identity preserved.
But in a matter of 10 minutes I was jobless. Two days later I found out I was pregnant. To say the months from that moment felt like a whirlwind is an understatement. I went through a whole grieving process. At first I felt relieved because I had been extremely stressed, then I moved to anxiety and doubt, to anger and then sadness and disappointment.
Being laid off is akin to feeling like you just ended a relationship with no closure. You have so many questions, you really question and doubt yourself. You wonder why me? What did I miss? Sometimes it can even lead us to depression, it definitely did for me. But as cliche as it sounds, being laid off was the best thing that ever happened to me. Trust me, I had people telling me this and I kinda thought they were full of it.
I wanted to believe it but the first few months all I could see was my frustration in why it happened to me. Yet, thankfully I actually had a career coach at the time, solely for the purpose at the time which was trying to not get laid off. LOL but my career coach helped me to truly set goals to create my own entrepreneurial pursuits and really commit.
After being laid off I wondered, how can I get coaching now!? It felt like the lowest moment of my career truly, I was a new mom to be… I just felt super lost.
But even when we experience lows, there is often a silver lining. My husband and his best friend own this amazing black owned financial firm and my husband really wanted me to do work with them so I obliged, not fully knowing what I was getting myself in but if I trust anyone in the world, I’ll bet on my husband.
And let’s just say… I am now the Director of Marketing and Communications for our family owned firm doing work that makes the impact that I’ve always dreamed of with people I love and care about and that value my skills and expertise. I also landed a role with an amazing Center that does leadership and development where I get to teach and consult with the flexibility I desired. Before I jump into tips I’ll leave with this bit of a reflection from my 2024 Reflections post. “This year reminded me of how amazing it is to be a multifaceted being. I don’t have to be confined to one version of myself based on a job. I can have a multitude of interests. Having a job is just showing up and to an extent going through the motions. I learned that I need to feel more connected to the work I do. I want to have a career that is informed by my values and passions in my life. I strive for flexibility and authenticity. Taking a step back from my career this year was the reinvigoration I needed to connect back to myself.”
Check out some tips below on how to successfully navigate a lay off with a plan of action and confidence to know that “It’s just a bad day, not a bad life”.
Layoffs aren’t your fault, it’s the result of ill prepared leadership:
- Reframe the Situation: Understand that layoffs are a reflection of the company’s state and not your value as a professional. Economic downturns, poor strategic decisions, or shifts in industry demand can lead companies to downsize. Viewing the layoff as an unfortunate outcome of these larger forces can help mitigate self-blame and maintain your self-esteem.
- Focus on Personal Growth: Use this time as an opportunity for self-reflection and professional development. Assess your strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Consider upgrading your skills through courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to your field or the new direction you wish to pursue.
- Network and Seek Support: Reach out to your professional network, join industry groups, and attend events related to your field. Networking can open new doors and present opportunities that you might not have considered.
Is this an opportunity to grow a skill you haven’t had time to really develop or nurture?
- Identify Your Passion Projects: Layoffs can provide the unexpected gift of time. Reflect on the skills or hobbies you’ve wanted to explore but never had the time for. Such as:
- Learning a new language
- Mastering a specific software
- Honing your creative writing
Now is your chance to dive in. Passion projects not only enrich your skill set but can also lead to new career paths or opportunities you hadn’t considered!
- Set Clear Goals and Create a Plan: With your newfound focus area, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For instance, if you want to improve your digital marketing skills, you could aim to complete a specific online course and create a mock marketing campaign within the next three months. I’ve done this type of exercise with our family business. A structured plan will keep you motivated and help you track your progress.
- Leverage Online Learning Platforms: The digital age offers a plethora of online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and many others that provide courses across a wide range of subjects. Many of these platforms offer free trials or courses at nominal fees. This is an excellent way to gain certification in new areas, which can enhance your resume and make you a more attractive candidate to future employers.
Facing a layoff or a tough challenge in life? Let us know some things you do to find the silver lining! 🪄
