overcoming unforeseen career challenges
All it takes is a stroll through the grocery store to see a reflection of our current economic climate. The effects of inflation on our grocery bill are just one of many ways we feel the economic indicators of a recession looming. Forbes describes other economic indicators as employment levels dropping, consumer spending decreasing, and industries not producing as much as they did previously. Unfortunately, these economic pain points are projected to increase layoffs in the next year.
However, Ben Reynolds from Guru Focus is just one of many to point out that from an investment standpoint, “The time to buy in is when other people panic.”
It’s important to note that a layoff is not the same as a termination. A layoff is defined as a company no longer being able to keep a person(s) employed due to circumstances outside of their control, such as economic downturn, downsizing, mergers and acquisitions, buyouts, etc.
There is no doubt that losing a job is not a pleasant experience and can certainly bruise an ego, even when it is unrelated to your performance, but as Confucius said, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”
What matters most when we are faced with unforeseen career challenges, is how we decide to pick up our pen to start writing our next chapter.
Process and Reflect
If you find yourself in a position you hadn’t planned for, allow yourself to feel what you need to feel. You may be hurt, angry, scared, and stressed. Allow these feelings to flow through you but do not allow them to overcome you.
This is an important time of transition, it can be scary but it can also be liberating! Do not let fear pressure you to settle on the first job that comes your way.
Take a little time for yourself while you determine your next move. Go to that doctor's appointment you haven't had time for. Try that recipe you’ve been wanting to try. Reflect. Right down your skills, your greatest strengths, and all the reasons you have to feel proud of yourself. What were you doing when you felt the most accomplished in your professional career? What did you enjoy about your last role? What did you not enjoy? What do you value most in your work life? Think about your dream job, what is it that you would like most about it? Review your finances, set a budget, and outline some financial goals.
Taking this time to process and reflect will help you reach the next milestone in your journey.
Reframe your mindset
Recognize that when one door closes, another opens. If a layoff happens because of economic impacts on business, you cannot take it personally. You are enough! Sure, you were comfortable and confident at your previous job, but were you living your dream? Comfort makes us stagnant. Sometimes we need to be pushed out of our comfort zone to realize our full potential. Manoj Arora says “Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end...because in the end, it shows you a whole new world!!”
Seize new opportunities
Recognize the potential in your freedom. Now is the time to go for your dreams! Start that business you always wanted to start. Learn that new trade. Find a career mentor. Become one of those entrepreneurs you always admired! You have the power to put your passion and energy into what you value most.
Bet on yourself. Chances are, there are others that are ready to bet on you too!
