Most people are confused about what to do after a job loss. Being laid off can be a painful and traumatic experience for most of us. For the newly unemployed, your initial reaction may be to relax and take an unpaid vacation. Or you might want to lose yourself in drinks, food, or other unhealthy habits. Many of us use this time as an opportunity to catch up on all the daytime talk shows we’ve been missing.
After being laid off, there isn’t much time to empathize or play the blame game. The first few weeks after a layoff will set the tone for your entire career rebirth.
In this article, I have outlined the top 6 things you should do after being downsized:
1.Take a moment to relax & reflect
Don’t panic. You may have lost your job but you still have your skill and ability. It’s important to remember that life goes on. Also, understand that you now have an opportunity to pursue your dream of starting your own business or pursue that career change that you wanted.
2. File for unemployment
Although this can be a nuisance, having that extra cash will come in handy. Many people avoid this step entirely. Don’t make that mistake; after all, you paid for it.
3. Organize your finances
Now is the time to drastically reduce expenses. There is a natural tendency to maintain a certain lifestyle but the smart thing to do is reduce some of those unnecessary items. It may take a couple of months to regain employment, so stack those savings up until the income comes back.
4. Update your resume
A good resume can mean the difference between getting an interview and not getting an interview. Make sure your resume really stands out before you send it out to hiring managers. Remember that you are competing against other job seekers so be sure to highlight skills and responsibilities from your last job.
5. Put together a plan of action
Looking for work can be a full time job itself. Prepare a list of activities you will undertake on a daily basis— and stick to them. Utilize resources such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com. If you are thinking of starting a business, you can use the resources at http://www.homebizceo.com to help launch your business.
6. Take Action
Mere talk will only lead to financial failure. Once you have completed the previous five steps its time to take action. Proper planning and persistence will almost always lead to prosperity. Be persistent. You may not replace your income overnight so it’s important that you stay positive and never lose sight of your ultimate goal.
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand the emotions you’re feeling and their impact on your behaviors. Our level of emotional intelligence affects our ability to make effective decisions. People with high emotional intelligence have the ability to manage his or her emotions and turn those emotions into energy when doing those activities that they don’t want to do, but must do in order to be successful.
The most common emotion in business is FEAR. Fear is the ultimate success killer. Feat turns some of us into cowards and makes heroes out of others. Our emotions control our self awareness, self confidence, ability to communicate, influence, and accept change. When you begin to understand your emotions and turn them into positive energy, you will see your performance increase exponentially.
Use the following steps to develop emotional intelligence:
1. Become Emotionally Literate
Start controlling your feelings rather than labeling people or situations.
2. Turn Anger Into Energy
Harness your anger and use it for energy to take productive actions.
3. Separate Thoughts & Feelings
Thoughts: I feel like (I Think)
Feelings: I feel (I Am)
4. Listen To Your Feelings
Your feelings communicate emotional needs, embrace them and learn from them.
5. Avoid The Haters
Do your best to avoid negative talkers and negative thinkers. Iron sharpens iron so surround yourself with people who add value to your life.
Are you ready to take advantage of the opportunities that await you? In the video below, Jim Rohn talks about unprecedented opportunity and competition. While we are in the midst of some very challenging times, we are also embarking on period in which new business leaders will emerge.
Are you prepared to receive what you desire?
If you were suddenly offered that dream job or landed that dream client, are you in a position to accept?
Be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, you need to prepare yourself to seize your opportunity. It’s no coincidence that some people become “overnight” successes. These individuals were ready when their number was called. Get your mind right, and prepare for your opportunity.
Are you ready to compete?
There will be competition, but the cream will always rise to the top. The reason only a few make it to the top is because they do the things average people won’t do.Internet and technology will make it possible for your business to be global even if you run it from your basement.But you have to offer YOUR talent to the world. It’s ok to learn from the “gurus” but you need to be a leader not a follower. Every one of us is unique and has a story to tell. The only way to compete is to create and invest in your brand (YOU).
