Step into any latest social situation—whether a banquet, a coffee date or a DM—and certainly one of the primary questions you’re more likely to be asked is, “So, what do you do for a living?”  

For higher or worse, much of our identity is tied to our careers. With a lot of who we’re defined by what we do, losing a job can take a heavy toll on our sense of self. 

“Job loss comes with a lack of identity, routine, community, life vision, and financial security,” Dr. Tega Edwin, founding father of Her Profession Doctor, told ESSENCE.

With massive job cuts across the tech sector, many individuals are currently grappling with that sense of loss. Up to now this 12 months, greater than 135,000 technology staff have been sacked. Twitter, Meta, Lyft, Chime, and GoFundMe are amongst many tech firms which have eliminated positions. 

As economists concede the likelihood of a world recession in 2023, many staff are understandably concerned about their occupational outlooks. Dr. Edwin, who makes a speciality of coaching women toward more fulfilling careers, says being let go might be the beginning of a latest and more purposeful profession path. ESSENCE spoke with the certified profession counselor to assemble a step-by-step guide to assist impacted staff rebound from job loss and position themselves for long-term success.

Step 1: Grieve the loss.

Finding yourself unexpectedly unemployed takes a toll on greater than just your pocketbook. The emotional impact of losing a job could be significant.

“Many individuals try to maneuver on and jump right into the job market,” Dr. Edwin said. “This may quickly lead to creating unwise selections about your next profession move.” 

As a substitute, she advises clients to provide themselves time to take inventory of lessons learned. “Pause. Give yourself time to regulate and grieve,” she said. 

Journaling is an efficient solution to unpack those complicated feelings and process your grief.

Step 2: Do a financial audit. 

When you’ve allowed yourself space to feel your feelings, facing your financial fears is a vital next step.

“Making profession decisions from a spot of economic desperation can cloud your judgment and lead you to just accept roles that negatively impact your life satisfaction and mental health in the long term,” Dr. Edwin said. 

She encourages clients to take a financial inventory. “Audit your funds to find out how much you may have in savings and the way long your savings will last. Then, see if there are unnecessary expenses you may cut out,” she said. 

“The goal is to get able where you may be financially comfortable for about 3 to six months, which is how long the typical job search takes,” she said. “And don’t forget to ascertain to see for those who qualify for unemployment advantages.”

Step 3: Get clear about your next profession move.

Dr. Edwin says job loss could be the push that sets you on a profession path that’s more closely aligned with who you might be. 

As a substitute of jumping right into a latest role, much like the one you left behind, Dr. Edwin encourages clients to take a while and reflect on what they need. The next questions are great prompts:

Were you pleased doing all your job? 

What would you modify for those who had the prospect to (which you now do)? 

What are your non-negotiable values on this season of your life? 

What skills do you most enjoy using (not only what you’re good at)? 

“Understanding who you might be on this season of your life and what roles are most aligned with that, will increase your probabilities of experiencing achievement and increased life satisfaction,” she said.

Step 4: Update your profession profile.

Once you may have clarity about your next move, update your profession profile to reflect that.

“You should ensure you’re marketing yourself well,” Dr. Edwin said. “Make certain that your most up-to-date role is updated in your resume and LinkedIn profile, so that they adequately reflect where you wish to go in your profession, not only where you’ve been.”

Step 5: Activate your networks.

Dr. Edwin advises job seekers to search out a profession coach to assist reduce the time and energy spent searching for the best latest role. 

“Don’t try to navigate the subsequent phase of your profession alone. In case you were within the job you only lost for greater than a 12 months, you’re likely a bit rusty on job searching,” she said.

Networking is equally necessary. “Consult with family and friends, and even strangers. Allow them to know that you just’re currently searching for a latest position,” she said. LinkedIn is a fantastic solution to source latest opportunities.

You never know who knows who and what connections can result in your next opportunity.

Step 6: Create goals and timelines. 

While you’re laid off, it will probably be easy to descend right into a fog of discouragement and self-doubt. Between the shock and disappointment of being laid off and the frustration of job searching, you would possibly feel unmotivated to secure a latest role – even if you desire one. 

Dr. Edwin says creating clear goals with timelines may also help keep you motivated. 

“Set deadlines for when you wish to begin working with a coach, update your marketing materials, submit a set variety of applications,” she said. “All of those actions are inside your control. “You’ll be able to’t control if you get interviews and if you secure your next job, but you may control the actions you’re taking to hurry up your results.”

Step 7: Affirm yourself.

Our jobs are what we do, not who we’re, however it’s easy to convolute the 2 given the status society places on profession and income. Losing a job is one type of rejection and in searching for an additional, you’re more likely to encounter many more. 

“Thoughts like, ‘Am I adequate?’ ‘Am I expert enough?’ ‘Do I actually have what it takes to achieve success?’ can keep you discouraged as you are attempting to work out your next profession move,” she said.

Through all this, Dr. Edwin says, it’s necessary to maintain affirming yourself. She encourages clients to create affirmations. “Affirmations will assist you remember the target truth about your skills and skills and keep you motivated during this next phase of your profession,” she said.