3 steps to get back on feet after a mass Layoff

3 steps to get back on feet after a mass Layoff

Going through the experience of letting go is one of the worst in life. This first happened to me when I did not even know what the word lay-off meant. We couldn’t comprehend that our cards will not work anymore, the labs where we were designing the best products will be locked for us, and the place where we made friends and tackled some of the most difficult challenges is closed for us; We thought this is our company, we gave our blood and sweat but to it, we were nothing but a pink slip and good luck note. I was more prepared when it happened the second time. And I promise you, this could really be, as much as contrary it looks right now, the best thing to happen to you. I don’t say this because a magic wand will bring miracles but YOU with a certain mindset and discipline will bring it to yourself. I am sharing my Mental Model and Mantras below.

So What!

Life happens, and it will happen again. So what! Say this to yourself, So What! and move on. The biggest impact of the ‘Mantra’ of “So-What” is that it will distance you from the situations you are in and empowers you to be on top of the situation than the other way around.

Step back and Examine

Take a step back. Literally! then understand a few questions? Work with me, answer them now, while reading it. 1. Do you want to continue in a similar industry or function?

• Answering this question will make this journey a little straight or a little curvy. And both are good.
• If you are happy in your industry or job function and you see yourself like that in long term, great. Go to section 
• If not let us carry on below.

2. Your Passion

• What are you passionate about?
• What exactly can you do in the function or industry?
• Is this industry or function growing, stagnant, or shrinking?

These questions will narrow down your next steps. Below are two examples to assist you:

Example 1:
I am passionate about the music industry, I would like to be a financial analyst, and this industry is growing at 4% every year.
Example 2:
I am passionate about Journalism, I would like to be a Data visualization manager, and this industry is growing at 2% every year.

You will see that sincerely being able to write this might take time. And that is okay. Actually, that is better. Each fill-in-the-blank will need a lot of self-reflection and conversation with your coach or a good friend. And If I tell you the truth, the model is much deeper and that is beyond this article. But this is an excellent start in the right direction. Things that influence the blanks are geography, the stage of your career, family, personal situation (health, financial, social, etc.), and kids. If you need the complete model, do not hesitate to reach out. We can share the generic model or create one exclusively designed for you. Okay moving on.

3. Now when have clearer picture what do you want, below are some tactical ways:

• Sharpen the pencil
• 30, 60, 90 Days
• Be a flute among the violins
• No excuses, Just Reach out
• Daily Goals

• Sharpen the pencil
  • Understand what is required of the job and if you need to learn any new skills or revisit some of the current ones.
  • Think of two things: what does the competition have and what does the job require?
  • For someone who is seasoned, this might be a bit daunting or frustrating, but hey, what is life if not for these twists and turn? From Womb to Tomb life is a series of battles, we just need to keep rolling with the punches.
  • Distinguish between if you need a paid certificate or a good online course will do. Outside Youtube, Coursera and Unacademy are some places to look at.
• 30, 60, 90 Days
  • Plan your next 30, 60, and 90 days. Be ambitious and realistic.
  • WRITE down where you see yourself in 30, 60, and 90 days.
  • Be as detailed as possible.
  • Think of your usual day in the life for all three time periods.

• Be a flute among the violins
  • In mass layoffs, this becomes very critical.
  • Because you are surrounded by lots of people of similar cadre who are targetting similar positions.
  • Find a way to stand out; skillset, certification, experience, and networking are a few of the ways to think about it.
  • I am a big believer that companies hire smart people to solve complex problems. This could be your flute among the violins.
  • For every job description, read between the lines, what problem they could be battling with. And in the interview, networking coffee chats, covering letter, address that.

• No excuses, Just Reach out
  • One important skill that I have acquired in my career is reaching-out. The probability of your success increases exponentially when you let your vine know what are you looking for.
  • Second is, to be more specific: when you know what industry, and what position you are going for, connect with people who are the decision makers for that position; your future team.
  • Remember, it’s also to their benefit to meet with you.
  • These meetings, reaching out, and attempting to solve their problems reflect perseverance and hustle, which goes a long way to get approvals from Directors, VPs, etc.
• Daily Goals
  • Daily discipline helps to get this difficult time pass. Have a list of things for each day that you want to strike off.
  • Make sure you have a buddy, who is playing a gardener and flower role with you. The expectation is not to be your therapist but more like a workout buddy but for some time you need a little more tender, love and care.
  • And once you land your dream role, thank your buddy.

I speak from my experience this is not an easy time but know in near future, it will be fine. The above three steps i.e. So what, Step back – examine, and Tactical ways, will get you ahead in your journey. if there is anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to reach out.The last point I want to call out in this article is job vs. starting something of your own. While I am big on starting something of your own, I don’t think one should venture out with a startup because of the layoff. One should do it because he or she always wanted to do it, is super passionate about it and the layoff just fell at the right time. Else, in some time, your passion will evaporate and the financial crunch will start getting you. Again, what I am saying is “do it for the right reason”.

I wish you very good luck my friends.

Bonus Section

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