By Tamara Dowling, CPRW
Have you just been laid off or fired? What do you do in place of that 40, 50 or more hours a week you spent at work? How are you coping without the daily human interaction? Even more importantly, what you are going to do next?
It's tough to stay focused and motivated. Let's go step by step and soon your be on your way to a successful new career.
Step One: Acknowledge Your Feelings
At first you can't believe it has happened to you. Some feel a sense of shock. You may spend time trying to figure out why this happened. Maybe you feel angry and betrayed. All these feelings are normal. However, if you are having difficulty coping with the situation you may want to talk with a professional counselor. Talking about your emotions, and even recording your feelings in a journal can help. Don't hesitate to receive support from friends, family and trained counselors.
Step Two: Quick Financial Review
First you must get the obvious out of the way. Sit down and review your finances. How long can you afford to be unemployed? How much money do you require monthly? How much have you put aside for a time like this? Once you know this, you can begin to make your short and long term plans.
Step Three: A Chance to Reengineer Your Career
Were you happy in your prior position? Is it time for a whole new career? This is your chance to reinvent yourself and select a career that you enjoy. Explore every idea, no matter how impossible it seems. Some people find ways to incorporate their hobbies into a new career. After reflection you may discover you'd rather accept a lower salary for more stability. Defining your values will help you define your career goals. When your values are incongruent with your work, it is difficult to be satisfied.
Check out SeekingSuccess.com's Career Discovery Tools for some simple self discovery exercises. Certified career coaches are trained professionals to counsel you through a career transition. Check your local yellow page directory to find one near you.
Step Four: Interim Plan
If you are choosing a new career, you may need more time than you can afford. It's okay to take time to get your career on track, but you've got to pay the bills. Here are some things you may do. See if any of these are right for your situation.
Temporary Assignments
Some professions are better suited for this than others. For example, accountants, administrative assistants or nurses can easily fit into this type of workstyle. They can "test" different types of employers and make new contacts.
Consulting Assignments
If you are an experienced professional, this may be a good way to bring home some money, meet new contacts, add to your résumé and try a new workstyle. An easy way to get started is to support an established firm needing additional consultants. Otherwise, you'll need to market yourself through your network, a recruiter, and Web sites such as guru.com.
Seasonal Work
The timing may be right for some positions. Between October and January, retail sales is a perfect temporary job. You'll meet many people and brush-up on your selling skills. Qualified tax professionals can pick up hours during tax season. During school months, some school districts will issue emergency teaching certificates for certain individuals to fill substitute teacher positions.
Freelance Writing
Writing articles for professional journals, magazines and Web sites is another way to earn some money and try a new workstyle. You may discover a new talent that turns into your next career.
The bottom line is, you must be realistic about your financial needs and plan for them.
Step Five: Building New Skills
When you were working 50 hours a week, there was little time for continuing education, association chapter meetings, seminars or research. Now is your chance. Here are some of the things you can do. These activities are not just for skill building. They add depth and balance to your life during this transition.
- Learn how to operate a new software application.
- Read the latest business books.
- Take a course at your local university
- Volunteer at a charity or school
- Become more active in a professional association
- Write an article, book or screenplay
- Complete research and publish your findings
- Teach a class or workshop at a high school, community college or university
- Get involved in a political organization you believe in.
- Learn a foreign language
For more tips on selecting courses and workshops to boost your career, click here to read the article, "New Skills Lead to a New Job." Your life can be rewarding. Be optimistic about your future. Look at your layoff as a chance to take a break and learn about yourself. Arm yourself with new skills, more knowledge and step into your dream job.
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