In the last few months, I’ve heard numerous people express frustration and disbelief about their companies’ layoffs.
“I never thought this would happen to me,” said Emily, a software engineer for a prestigious finance firm.
“I can’t believe my company is actually laying people off” muttered Jason, a product manager at a large tech company.
Layoffs – whether expected or unexpected – are rarely welcome news. Even if your employer provides you with a severance package, your life has been disrupted and you’re uncertain – maybe even fearful- about your future.
I’ve experienced layoffs during my career and know how emotional this can be. However, I’ve also learned that, after processing your shock, anger, or grief, it’s important to shift your attitude toward this setback.
What if there were a different way to view this event?
What if instead of seeing this a door slamming shut, you were to view this as a door opening to some new possibilities?
What if instead of viewing yourself as a “victim” of a layoff, you saw yourself as the CEO of your own life who’s going to use this as an opportunity to grow, learn and explore new possibilities for yourself?
Shift From Seeing Yourself as a Victim
When you see yourself as the “victim” of a layoff, you feel you’re at the mercy of forces beyond your control and stay rooted in anger, fear and helplessness. This closes your mind to new possibilities which make you less likely to recognize or act on opportunities that are presented to you.
Moreover, since our self-image shapes our behavior, seeing yourself as a victim will prevent you from showing up as the confident, competent professional you are.
When you adopt an opportunity mindset and see the layoff as opening a new door for you, you’ll become more creative, curious and proactive in exploring new possibilities.
Start the shift by brainstorming what new doors this might open for you:
* Is this a chance to pivot to a new role or switch industries?
* Do you now have the opportunity to seek out a job with a more flexible schedule, or a better workplace culture?
* Could this be the time to obtain that additional degree or certification you’ve been too busy to work on?
* Is this an opportunity to launch that business you’ve been talking about?
* Have you just been handed a golden opportunity to explore a new career?
*Could this be the right time to plan that relocation you’ve been considering?
As you brainstorm, suspend disbelief and focus on the exciting possibilities. Don’t worry about the details yet. This is about opening your mind to what could be.
Explore New Possibilities
Select two or three possibilities and start exploring them. Whether it’s switching sectors, relocating, or working part- time, you now have some space to investigate these options. Stay curious and get creative.
If a possibility is out of your comfort zone, start exploring with baby steps. As your comfort zone expands, you’ll have the confidence to take bigger, bolder steps.
When you’re in action exploring new possibilities, you’ll not only show up as more confident but attract more opportunities from unexpected sources!
Resources
Here are a couple of resources to help you get into action.
Check out this article for some great strategies for handling a layoff: https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/resources/how-to-navigate-a-layoff/.
My e-book The Five Keys to a Successful Reinvention offers concrete tips for navigating any type of career transition. Download it with this link: The Five Keys to a Successful Reinvention: https://daringreinventors.com/download-my-book/.
Will you have the courage to open some new doors to find the opportunities that may be buried in what first appears to be a setback?
Life’s greatest setbacks reveal life’s greatest opportunities. – Robin Sharma
