Being laid off is a nightmare that can affect just about any employee. Unlike being fired, being laid off is much easier to get over. If you are fired, then the fault would be your own. Laid-off workers are not released because of incompetence, underperformance, or any other workplace-related problem. Therefore, a new employer will look more kindly on someone who has been laid off.
Still, being laid off can be hard to overcome for many. Finding a new job can be a challenge, especially if you work in a highly competitive field. However, it is possible to get back on your feet once more after an employer lets you go. Read on to find out more:
Understand that It’s Not the End of the World
A layoff notice can be shocking and devastating. But don’t let the bad emotions keep you down. More importantly, don’t allow the negativity to overwhelm you. Your career is not over just because one employer has laid you off. Don’t allow your life to come to a standstill because of that.
Instead, spend the time you have looking for new work, consider going back to school, or even switching to a brand new career. The point is to move on with your life and land a new job or find another source of income. Just don’t wallow in grief and become a mess, which would complicate your future employment prospects even more.
Start a Part-Time or Temporary Job to Earn Income
Some workers are let go with compensation, and some only have that month’s paycheck. In either case, you must immediately find a new line of work to compensate for the loss of steady income. In today’s well-connected world, this is easier than you might think.
You can find new work the traditional way and land a part-time or a temporary position while you do interviews for permanent lines of work. Freelancing online is a great way to earn income from home while you search for a new job.
Here’s an unconventional suggestion: try day trading or stock investing while you are still in-between jobs. You have plenty of time left to dabble in the stock market. But be careful that you don’t spend your money recklessly. When selling and buying stock, do your research in advance and familiarize yourself with the craft for best results. It’s discovering the best stocks to buy now, at any given point in time, is what will allow you to gain the competitive edge.
You can also write about your experience in a blog. If you gain enough followers, you can start earning actual money from your blog.
Consider Boosting Your Skills or Educational Credentials
Instead of thinking about your layoff as a setback, consider it an opportunity. Some workers are devastated when laid off because they feel unworthy and unwanted. If you feel like an expendable employee, consider gaining new skills. Even simple skills like knowing a second language could spare you a layoff in the future.
If you have enough savings, you could consider going back to school for an advanced degree that would improve your future job prospects. Even a shorter and less expensive diploma might make you more attractive to new employers.
Also consider learning a new, in-demand skill, like coding, that would make you more attractive and valuable to employers.
Don’t let a layoff define your or your career path. It’s a small speed bump that you will recover from quickly. In the meantime, follow the above suggestions to get your life back together.
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