Everyone has a personal reaction to a job loss – no matter what the cause or circumstance – it is a deeply personal matter. Even if it was inevitable, not having a choice in how or when you leave a job can bring about a range of emotions, including anger, fear and even relief. How we choose to react to our new situation can make a big difference in the quality and enjoyment of our life in the short-term and also for the long-term.
To take advantage of opportunities that exist, you must be ready. That includes acknowledging and accepting the changes happening in your life.
This is a good time to rethink your life, your career options and your choices. Don’t do it by yourself or in a vacuum. There are many resources available to help during challenging times, reach out for them. As you embark on your job search, you may be lucky to find something right away. However, recognize that you may still be in a transition until you find the job and career that is right for you.
Good luck with your efforts. Here are eight points to keep in mind as you go through this transition into your next phase:
1. Think and be positive.
Notice what you are thinking. What is filling your brain? Are you thinking forward? Are you imagining the possibilities? Negative thoughts can easily creep into our minds during any transition, but they will blind us to opportunities and hamper our success. You have a choice in how you deal with any adversity. Keeping a positive frame of mind will keep you positive. Negative thinking is lost and wasted energy.
There are a number of CD’s and helpful books to read, including: “The Feeling Good Handbook” by Dr. David D. Burns; The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale; and Everyday Positive Thinking by Louise Hay.
2. Make a plan.
Finding yourself in transition is more than a financial matter, it is a “daily living” matter. Moving from a calendar that was planned and full to being in charge of your every waking moment is a big adjustment. Bring discipline into your life by making a plan. Finding a new career should be treated like any project – it needs a well-thought-out plan. Start by thinking immediate – what are your goals for the transition? You may start with a simple daily plan around organizing a productive day. What do you need to accomplish? How can you be most efficient? When you put to paper (or PC) all of the tasks required to meet your goals, you begin to 1) take control of your situation; 2) put your objectives into manageable steps; and 3) stay focused and productive (which also works to improve mood and attitude).
3. Assess.
This is a great time for reflection and assessment. What do you like to do? What are you good at? What are your passions? What are your personal and professional goals? What assessment tools might help you? Please visit our Evaluate section for some helpful resources.
However, at this time, the assessment process needs to include the reality of here and now. What is your financial situation? How long can you go without a new job? What is your insurance situation? What options can you see for yourself? What options can you create? Whether you wish to do a formal or an informal assessment – it is important that you methodically think through how you want and need to spend and optimize your time.
There are tools and guides to help you with assessments. Resources abound, including career or life coaches who offer services to help you think through your options. These resources may require an investment – but whom better to invest in than you? If your budget is too tight, there are also services in many communities and many free resources available on the web.
4. Stay connected.
Your network of business contacts is very important to keep up – but so are your other contacts. Many of us will find careers outside of the mortgage industry, so it is important to use personal networks to explore other opportunities. Reach out to friends and acquaintances in other industries – meet with them, ask about their businesses and opportunities. Ask them to refer you to their contacts in other industries you might be interested in pursuing. Set up these meetings as research, not as a job search. Learn more about what is out there and how you might fit in. If you want to start your own business – reach out to other business owners. And of course, always follow up with a personal thank you note.
The loss of a job brings about personal emotional challenges. Reach out to others and share your experiences, but also remember to keep your interactions constructive.
