Navigating Losing a Job and Getting Your Next One!
Losing a job is always a tough thing to go through. Regardless of the reason you’re let go, it’s hard not to take it personally. Whether your boss tells you that it’s due to company performance, that they mis-hired and need someone more senior in the role, or that they’re closing your department, how can you not take that personal? It’s fair! Our careers, our jobs, and more specifically where we put our hours and energy inevitably become part of our self-identity. Getting fired can be a shock to the system, the ego and can really rattle the self-image.
However, it’s critical that you do not let yourself wallow in self-pity and instead create an actionable plan and get moving as quickly as possible. Here are 4 steps to take after getting fired in order to secure your future success:
1. Give yourself a small slice of time to grieve and reflect on your experience.
Take a day or 2, maybe 3 to relax and give yourself some space to reflect on your experience. Ask yourself what you learned from your job, what you liked about your position or field, and what parts of the job you didn’t. Try to find the silver lining. If you feel you could’ve done something differently, think about it but accept that you didn’t and move forward.
2. Begin updating your resume.
Don’t wait for too long to do this or else you risk forgetting a lot of great experience and potential bullet points! You will want to update your resume with as much detail as you can and ensure you highlight the work/projects/value you contributed to the company during your time there.
3. Treat finding a job like a job.
Wake up at a set time, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and get on Linkedin and beginning reviewing job boards. Look for recruiters and message them on LinkedIn or submit your resume to their open portals. Finding a job takes effort and should be treated with as much diligence and commitment as any workday. Get out there and network! Now more than ever, networking has become easier as more companies have gone digital. If you’re looking for a job in cannabis, sign-up for our newsletter to get updates on our digital marketing events.
4. If you don’t find a job soon, find an in-between job and keep applying.
If you aren’t able to land something in your field and industry, do not be afraid to work any job you can find. Although it may not be the most ideal scenario, your next employer will respect you for your hustle and determination, and you should be able to succinctly describe why you took the in-the-meantime job. There is NO shame in taking an in-between bridge-type job. Just make sure you keep applying to the jobs you actually want and are in line with your career.
5. Upgrade your skills!
Use this time to take a class or course that is relevant to what you do. There is a myriad of options out there. Some courses will cost money but there are countless ones that are free (check out LinkedIn’s option as a starting point). Adding things to your resume after losing a job will ensure you stay sharp and will be an easy way to answer the daunting, “so what have you been doing since you left your previous company?”
6. Stay positive.
The job market is incredibly competitive. It’s tough out there. It always is. Cut yourself some slack and realize that if you follow these steps and commit to consistently putting your best foot forward, with good intentions, you’re already ahead of 90% of people applying to jobs. The next opportunity is right around the corner.
If you ever feel stuck, the White Ash Group team is available! Send us a DM, email, or LinkedIn message and we will do our best to help you. At the very least, submit your resume to hello@whiteashgroup.com so we have your resume on file.
Like everything in life, patience and kindness are key!