Laid off? Congratulations!!

Have you ever noticed, that the default response to this declaration is usually, "I'm sorry..." often followed by a downward facing head shake? I find it hilarious because there are SO many things to celebrate when we are let go from our job. Here are some actions that we can take that really helped me through the time after layoff

Refocus

First thing that happens is usually shock. Shock and being dismissed, unappreciated, and well, let go. This leaves one with a lot more time, which is fabulous if we use it right! We can take this time to get back to what drives us. Write up those business ideas that have been simmering on the back burner. Maybe even start blogging about it to see what it could lead to!

It is also a good time to look at what happened, were you the ugly duckling? Could you have maybe performed better? Were you over or under qualified? All of these might initially hurt and feel like rejection, but are really gifts in disguise, as they push you closer to your destiny.

Reconnect

Ever notice how you stopped talking to the people not related to your job? If not then GOOD FOR YOU, but for everyone else, it is time to go through that contact list and get back in touch! Reconnecting with people who know you as YOU and not just your title are crucial to getting back to what is important.

You could even throw yourself a party to get reconnected with your friends, I think that would be fun! Why wait for a new house/baby/birthday to celebrate life? Don't forget to volunteer for those school projects and trips that you have avoided since working too because hey, you have time now! Plus you might talk to some other parents there who are well connected, and who knows what might happen?

Tend those things that have maybe been neglected like your garden too! It is meditative sometimes and can really be a calming experience.

Look Around You

At this point, after your last job, you surely either have a fabulous idea for a new business, or you have a better idea about the kind of position that you are interested in next. Take your time, (after you file or unemployment of course), to take a look at what is out there, jobs that are related to interests, skills, or that fit your professional history. Have fun with it! Life is way too short to not have fun. Maybe you have friends at an awesome company that happens to be looking for someone like you! Now is the time to talk about what you want to do.

I look at these big changes in life as new chapters. It is fun to look back occasionally and see how they all line up and lead to the next thing. I think that so many great innovations have come out of either not GETTING a job or being let go.

Here is your chance to write your future...Congratulations and have fun with it!! There is a bright side to almost everything that happens to us if we just take the time to find it.

If you have a story about how you made the most of being fired/laid off/quitting please share!! I'll come back and read about it after my daughter's camping trip.

***If you are offended by this article I apologize and invite you to read about my to get some context into why I feel so passionate about these seemingly simplistic strategies of getting through the hard times.