Let go and start anew

[Badshah Mamun]

Let go and start anew

By Jim Bright
MyCareer

Lost your job? Put any bitterness behind you and find ways to get back in the hunt, writes Jim Bright.

If my inbox is anything to go by, then Australia seems to be in the grip of another round of job losses. Many readers have shared sad stories of losing positions they either loved or relied upon and one of the themes emerging in this correspondence is how to deal with the aftermath of losing a job.

The first thing to appreciate - and the one nearly all people experience - is that emotions are likely to overwhelm thinking. This can sometimes manifest itself in a fight response but more commonly in a flight response. The overwhelming feeling to run away, take a holiday, or simply not get out of bed is understandable, but usually unhelpful.

Recognising that emotion is a good first step and one way to take control of these feelings is to give yourself a short set period to be upset before you start taking other positive steps.

Another way to regain control is to take any counselling on offer, usually outplacement counselling.

Ironically, once the emotion has subsided, it might be time to revisit and evaluate the fight response. Sackings and redundancies can be challenged, so either decide to explore this avenue with a lawyer or union, or move on. There is no point harbouring angry thoughts about the legalities of your situation if you are not prepared to act. Challenge or move on; there is no in-between.

Next, you need to consider whether the job loss presents an opportunity for a change in your life. Redundancy payments might provide the freedom to work part-time, retrain, establish a business or retire early.

Even if redundancy payments do not apply, this might be an opportunity to consider an alternative career path. Once again, if outplacement services are offered to you, take them because they can provide very valuable support, information and guidance.

If you have decided to stay in paid employment, start as soon as you can to seek out alternative positions. This means searching online job boards such as mycareer.com.au, where you can post a resume and set up an account to get notifications of relevant positions. Also reach out to your network to see what is available and to let them know you are in the hunt.

Don't have a network? Then get one. Fast. Make lists of colleagues from recent and past positions, list friends and friends of friends.

Consider setting up a LinkedIn account and make contact with people you know or people in your industry.

Now is the time to revise the resume, updating it with lots of recent achievements. Go through the archives of this column if you want some advice on how to go about this. MyCareer has some great advice; outplacement counsellors and career counsellors can help, too. Alternatively, grab a copy of resumes that get shortlisted by yours truly and Jo Earl from your local library.

This could also be a time to check the wardrobe and grooming. Do you have contemporary, smart clobber to wear to interviews? Is your hairstyle appropriate, recently cut (and cut well)? Appearances matter whether one likes it or not and it is true that you will feel more comfortable if you are well presented for the occasion and attired in neat, properly fitting clothes.

Losing a job is an emotional experience for most of us but it is not a disgrace, nor the sole judgment on your abilities. Taking control of your emotions and throwing yourself back in the fray will not only increase your chances of another role but will also reduce the financial impact of job loss and improve your confidence.

Source: http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/search/start-anew.aspx