I owe my resilience to my Christian faith. I have NO idea how people weather horrible struggles alone.
It’s been about three months since my last day as a full time employee and saying it’s been “tough” is an understatement. If you know me you know I’m a single woman that takes care of myself and often those I love. So I work. And when work is taken away from me, I find a replacement job, or two or three. (I think I’m up to four again… I stopped counting. Honestly just cut the checks folks.)
Any who, I’ll do whatever it takes to take care of myself. But I’ll never take credit for my resilience in jacked up trying times.
It takes faith!
I’m sharing this because every time I lost a job for “business reasons” it always fell around the fall. ‘Tis the season for staff cuts folks.
So I want to offer a little advice and encouragement I case any of you ever find yourself on the jobless end of a “business decision.”
5 Tips to Get Through Job Cuts
1. Don’t blame yourself. It’s probably not your fault. Try not to take it too personally.
2. Take time to heal. You’re allowed to grieve if you cared about the position. Now if you hated it…PARTY!!!
3. List your skills and figure out how you can generate income to sustain yourself while you figure out your next career move. NOTE: Do not join up with any shady, shaky or unprofessional groups that may tarnish your reputation. Go broke before messing up your brand net worth.
4. Keep any negative commentary about previous employers to yourself. It’s just a bad look.
5. Shine! Stay positive and “The Secret” law of attraction will take care of the rest.
Hopefully this helps. I hate that I’ve become a bit of an expert in how to cope with career curveballs. But a little faith goes a long way.
Cheers!
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Nicki, I can’t tell you how glad I am to be retired, with a safe income set for life. I will admit that in taking a job with a secure pension, I forwent chances to make more money or achieve greater professional acclaim and success. It’s all a matter of what’s most important to each person. But one thing I do know is that people like you, with drive and ambition and talent, will always surface somewhere. Never seen it fail. You have a big admirer in me from ‘way back in your Patch days. Please call on me if I can help. And stay strong, and true to your chosen course. All your advice is excellent!
Nicki, good advice, especially #4. Years ago, I had quit my newspaper reporting job twice, not always under the friendliest terms. But I refused to burn bridges, kept on the high road, and was offered my job back both times. In these times, it doesn’t pay to close off any avenue.
I’d also throw in a recommendation for reporters to be flexible, and create their own opportunities. Although traditional news outlets, both print and televised, are facing constant cuts, reporters can do very well recreating themselves as freelancers or independent contractors. It can be difficult, and even scary, but very workable if one has the motivation and drive.