Photo credit: Anthony
Letting go of a job is never easy. It gets worse when the world seems to be falling apart. It is okay when this happens, and a pity-party might help you get over those emotions. You can spend a couple of days watching your favourite show on Netflix to help you cope.
Whenever dealing with any kind of loss, it’s okay to allow that moment of self-pity for a day or two. However, halfway into the next day, you’ll realise the only way to get better is by doing something about it - put your best face on and come up with a plan on the next big move.
Nearly everyone has been economically affected by COVID-19 and some have lost their jobs. Here are five steps you should take if you lost your job during the pandemic.
Check out your finances
You need to have a look at your finances keenly while in quarantine and waiting to get yourself the next job. Check any automatic service subscription that you may need to terminate, at least temporarily. The next thing is to look at your monthly expenses. Minimise your expenditure and only spend if it is necessary and essential. Determine which expenses you can forego, and which one is going to be a priority for your survival. Come up with a budget based on essentials only.
Carry out a self-assessment
Having done a financial check and managed to create a budget comprising of essentials only, it’s time to do a self-assessment - how long is your budget going to last in this pandemic? This will give you an idea of how long you are going to last before you get another job. Despite it being a difficult period, several industries and companies are still running - there is a glimmer of hope. Jobseekers with complete profiles have a higher chance of getting noticed by employers. You have a great opportunity to work on your CV and complete your profile to get noticed. Take a look at the skills you have at hand and determine whether they can apply to another industry or provide you with means of making money.
Reposition yourself
This doesn’t mean shifting your position on your couch and changing TV channels, but getting ready for your next move in your life. One of the most common things about candidates during jobs interviews is that they cannot tell what they are good at, and who they are. Take time to review your work experience and skills, what is the one thing that links all those roles? Develop a lead statement that you can use to respond with when asked about yourself. In case your industry has a nose-dive, see how you can fit your experience to similar roles outside your area of expertise.
Learn something new
Growing up, what is that one thing that you always wanted to do? Maybe you wanted to learn how to play a violin or paint. Maybe you were planning on going back to school.
Now is the perfect time to take an online course and improve your skills as a songwriter or editor. Most universities have offered to give free online courses to people to use their free time during quarantine engaged in useful activities. There is a wide range of free online courses on Fuzu that will equip you with leadership and soft skill as we prepare for life after COVID.
Leverage networks
While enjoying your favorite playlist or learning to cook a new recipe, this may not be the perfect time to meet friends or visit family. Technology has brought the world together. Use social media to connect. Reach out to people on LinkedIn, join groups, and follow pages that resonate with your area of practice. Connect with recruiters and learn how they do stuff from their end. A recruiter will help you leverage your network quickly and meet the right people. Update your profile to get access to more opportunities and explore the world.
Losing a job can be a traumatising experience. Many people are defined by their profession. But maybe it is time to reflect, step back, redesign and reflect on how you want to define yourself in future. The loss may be a new beginning.