Moving on after the big shove-off.

Today’s topic comes from a reader who wrote, "I would love to see your ideas on layoff's and how people are coping;” and are things “really getting better?" First of all, let me say thank you for the comment and inspiration for this post.

Being laid off is not the type of experience you hope to have in your career. It is not something they prepare you for in school. When it was my turn in April, it initially felt as though someone had pulled the rug out from under me. I had waves of emotion ranging from complete shock and anger, to relief and excitement about the prospect of starting something new.

Things are tough and may very well get worse in the coming months. How you process and move through the experience is all a matter of perspective. There are people around the country struggling to make ends meet while attempting to find steady employment. Some will turn inward and shut down because of fear, rejection, anger and hopelessness. Those who can tap into their emotional reserves to be resilient and find the courage to think outside the box will be the ones who ride out the storm and find new direction.

If you or someone you know has been laid off, here are some coping strategies to help create a mindset for successfully navigating the transition:

1. Reflect on your work experience and find the value in it. Make a list of all the skills you acquired, contributions you made and special projects you spearheaded. You want to go into an interview in a position of strength, confident about all you have to offer a prospective employer that sets you apart from your competition.
2. Make a list of all the contacts with whom you had great business relationships. Start networking with them. Having worked with you, they have the ability to offer endorsements that might get you in the right door, or land you the position you have always wanted. Every article I’ve read on finding a job in this market talks about the importance of networking, networking and more networking. The friend of a friend might know of the perfect opportunity that you otherwise would never have found.
3. Don’t waste time wallowing in perceived misfortune. Invest in your mind, heart, body and spirit to reenergize, refocus, learn something new, and begin thinking about all the possibilities before you. No one but you can limit your potential.
4. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted to own a business, there is no better time than the present. The economic climate and growing unemployment crisis is causing people to rethink their future and find creative ways to carve out their own niche. Consult with your friends, mentors and family to see if this might be the right fit for you.

I am blazing my own entrepreneurial trail and am loving every minute of it! But each person must do what their gut is calling them to do. Your life is what you make it, so don’t let anyone sell you a different story. We are not defined by our circumstances, so create the future that you have always wanted. Instead of a layoff being a tragedy, it could be your greatest opportunity for change. “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” - so put on your dancing shoes and join me!

Thank you for reading and be well.

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