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One of the worst events in life that most of us go through is the loss of a job. So many of us value and measure our lives by the success we achieve in the business world.
Personally, I have seen women do a better job of parsing out their professional lives from their personal values. I know that is a generalization, but for whatever reason, men are not as skilled at separating the two. It seems to be more difficult to recover from the shock, disappointment, and fear associated with the loss of a job.
While these may seem like common sense steps, when it happens to us, we all often have that feeling of true loss without an idea of which way to turn. These hints and tips might help you get through the often overwhelming but most definitely temporary setback of unemployment. We have all heard the adage, “It doesn’t matter what you do when you take a fall – it only matters what you do when you get up!”
• First, take a step back and give yourself a reasonable amount of time to process the emotion you will no doubt experience. It’s okay to “feel” without overreacting. Whatever you do, never go on a social media rant about your former employer or the industry you have spent so much time in. Remember what your mom and dad taught you… “Don’t burn bridges!”
• Take an honest look at your finances. This helps in figuring out the importance of bills. My dad always taught me, “Mortgage/rent and insurance first.” Prioritize – keeping in mind that most creditors have standard grace periods, and most often, it only becomes serious after you pass the 60 and 90-day marks. Get rid of subscriptions you no longer need, reduce your streaming/cable/satellite choices, etc.
• Don’t discount unemployment benefits. Definitely check to see if you’re eligible. These benefits can help while you’re on the job hunt and could be enough for something important.
• Make certain you reach out to your professional network. I call the most important on that list my personal “Board of Directors.” Mine have proved to be invaluable friends and colleagues I have connected with over my career. Just be sure this is not the only time you ever make contact. This group of a half dozen or so are those who have been allies, trusted confidants, and advisors through the years. You should also reach out to others who may not have that top-level stature in your life, but those former colleagues, managers, and industry contacts may have or know of opportunities that may fit your skillset and experience.
• Once you have gone through a grieving period and have done due diligence on your financial analytics, then take a fresh look at your resume and make all changes to update and refresh the info that includes your recent experience and achievements. This is when updating your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experience may come in handy.
• Depending on your life cycle and changes since you accepted your previous position, it may be time to ask yourself if you are willing to make another move. Picking up a family, especially when a spouse has a good job and you have kids in school, moving becomes less of a viable option for some. I have made terrible mistakes in this area without foreshadowing the fallout those choices would have on others important in my life.
• Begin exploring job listings and employment boards on all the more typical recruiting platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. Please personalize your applications and cover letters and avoid sending out the same cover to everyone, which likely puts you at the bottom of the stack.
• While many of the companies in the industry we all know are going through these RIFS, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any jobs in other categories or markets that might fit your family’s needs, so check those company websites. You may want to reach out to your previous manager or HR and ask if they know of any opportunities in the company that may work well. At the very least, you should look at those company career/opportunity web pages.
• If your finances can handle it, this may be the time to consider going back to school and/or taking courses to earn degrees or certifications that may help in your future endeavors.
• Avoid Pride! Sometimes, you may not find the same type of position you had before. Even temporary or part-time work helps with cash flow and paying bills.
• Job searching can be a lengthy process, but perseverance is key. Stay positive, take care of your mental and physical health, and keep pushing forward.
• This is a very difficult crisis to go through completely alone. Look to your friends and family for emotional and spiritual help. Talking to a pastor or minister often helps. And certainly, don’t fear professional counseling. Talking about this with others does help.
What is most important is to keep this event in perspective. It is only temporary and very likely; it is not based on your performance, and most of all – it does NOT define you! You will get back to work. Fear can be extremely debilitating, so never let it get the best of you. You will survive, and while it may feel like hitting rock bottom, remember that rock bottom gives you an even stronger foundation for the next great opportunity waiting for you!
Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
