Have you ever been laid off from a job? It’s not the best feeling is it? I can definitely relate to the feelings of rejection and sometimes shame that come with being told that your services will no longer be needed and that you are to clear your desk as quickly and as quietly as possible. Firstly, your source of (financial) security has been snatched away from you. Secondly, it seems as if your skills and abilities have been seriously undermined, and thirdly instead if being deemed a human being with a family, feelings and responsibilities, you have been treated like a simple redundant digit that should be cut off in order for the books to be balanced. Trust me girl, I know.
I have decided to write on this topic today because although, I have not been sacked, I have experienced a lot of upheaval at work recently, which reminds me of a particular episode that occurred six years ago.
In fact, it was around this time of year in 2010, I had just begun my first “grown up job” with a PR company in Waterloo in London (Oooh, I SO want to name and shame, but I probably shouldn't!). In fact, it was an internship which later on developed into paid work, so you could imagine my excitement. I hastily quit my customer service job at a well known womenswear company and irrationally turned down a much coveted internship. It all seemed like a good idea at the time, except, after two months I found myself sitting opposite my then manager, and being told “I just don’t think that this company is the right fit for you”
I was told to leave as quickly and as quietly as I can, and to basically not cause too much fuss (it was all very underhand, but at the time I was too timid to challenge my employer). Back then, I was younger with little experience of the cut throat culture that is sometimes at the core of the working world. With my wide eyed innocence, I had not yet learned to put on my big girls trousers, so I simply left so not to cause further offence. I remember sobbing my little heart out as walked down Waterloo Bridge Road, not giving a care to the strange stares I was attracting.The resulting feelings were those of sadness, rejection, guilt and embarrassment at my perceived failure.
So when this year, a few work related occurrences threatened to knock my confidence again, I made up my mind to not be subdued by the drama, but to rise above it. If you are going through the same, or similar situation, here is how I overcame those negative feelings, and you can too!
1. Know that there is a plan and a purpose for everything.
It sounds cliché, but it is true. When I got laid off from the PR company, job hunting became inevitable. I prayed so hard to God to turn the mess into a stepping stone. Besides, the £55 a week I was getting from the government as Jobseekers Allowance paled in comparison to my bills and love for having a generally good time. So, my search eventually led me to the company I currently work at. A company I have now been with for almost six years, which has allowed me to refine my French speaking skills and to travel a lot more than I otherwise would have.
2. Read positive literature.
I used to be such the cynic when it came to motivational books. However, I have picked up a few in the last few months as well as read some online articles that have helped me to channel my negative thoughts and feelings into positivity. It has also helped to open my eyes to the opportunities around me and to develop a craft outside of traditional employment.
3. Don’t get sucked into pity
It's easy for well meaning friends and family to pull you into a pool of pity and to indulge your sadness for longer than needed. Don't misunderstand me, you do need your time to scream and cry. However, staying in that place for too long will prevent you from moving on. Make up your mind to respond positively to any negative comments and be mindful of the conversations you entertain.
4. Take what you have learned from your job, and make one hell of a killer CV
When my colleagues at the PR company learned what had happened, one of them kindly offered to email me all the press releases I had written, and the other materials I had produced. Granted, this might have been a breach of all sorts of company policies, but at the time I could care less! All that mattered was that I was armed with what I needed to impress the next potential employer. You may not go the the lengths that I did, but it does help to keep a record of every project you have been a part of, as well as every new skill you have acquired.It's also a good time to learn from your mistakes. Could you have perhaps put in more effort? Could you have attended a few more social events?
5. Network! Network! Network!
It's good to keep in touch with any contacts you have made in your industry. Begging or desperation is never a good look, but you could always mention in passing that you are "looking for a new opportunity". When it comes to social networking, think about how you'd want to be perceived by others, a.k.a. your personal branding. These days, prospective employers look to professional networking sites like LinkedIn to make decision on who to recruit, so make sure your profile is up to date! They also look at more informal social sites such as Facebook and Twitter so be careful about what you post!
I hope this post has been of help. Chin up dear. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Don't throw in the towel, just continue to be the best you. Someone WILL take notice!
What are some of the ways you have bounced back from the sack?
Have a wonderful August!
