I've officially joined the club that so many other people call home, and I must say -- it isn't half bad. Of course, it's super easy for me to say that because I don't have little mouths to feed or tons of ridiculously expensive bills to pay. I'm also blessed to have two amazing parents who have continued to allow me to grace them with my presence (for free), as I adjust to my early 20-somethings.
I've got it incredibly easy, and it's for that very reason I refuse to complain. I constantly remind myself my lay off is nothing personal, it's literally just business. So, since it's just business, that officially makes me CEO of my own destiny, and that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.
Here are 3 simple ways I'm learning how to reinvent myself after a lay off :
1. Being 'intentional'
Intentional: It's a word one of my job coaches uses to describe how to combat 'application fatigue' and how to tackle the job search like a pro. I often tell myself (aloud) to be intentional whenever I feel myself doing something simply because I know I have to, and not necessarily because I actually want to. When you remain intentional in your actions, the authenticity will manifest good results. You just have to be patient, wait it out, and see.
When I was first informed I was being laid off, the first thing I did was start applying to as many jobs a day as I could. Law of averages, right? Of course I'd read the job descriptions, but that's about it. I didn't take the time to really evaluate what I wanted for myself, I just knew I needed a job. 'The' job is coming; whether that's tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year, it is coming. But until then, I must take advantage of this period in my life to truly assess myself and my abilities so that for each and every application I submit. I literally have to remind myself to remain self aware so I can then be even more confident in my preparedness. I want to always remember to be true to myself so that my sincerity and drive will in turn translate to potential employers.
2. Build on My Passions
Up until the summer before my first semester of college, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals. In elementary school, I used to carry a huge dog encyclopedia around in my book bag (which probably weighed more than I did at the time). I'd come home, after watching the Jeff Corwin Experience and the Most Extreme with my dad, and go to my room and marvel over the encyclopedia for awhile; learning about all the dogs, and studying the photos so I could draw my favorites. I was never allowed to have a dog so the encyclopedia was the closest I ever got to having one. But not having one made me look forward to the day when I could actually work with animals, even more.
But then, I got older and had to be more realistic: science was not my strong suit. As a child, I had always loved to read, draw, and write. But I had also been raised to think practically (being a starving artist, was a definite no). So, I majored in business and minored in art, which seemed like a happy medium. And it was! I may not ever be the Incredible Dr. Pol, but maybe one day I can own my dog walking service; creating everything from the business model to a logo, designed by your's truly. Who knows?
My point is, the possibilities are endless. I'm a creative and I know that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. Things may not always go as planned but that's why you strive to work on being flexible, so you're ready for any curve-ball life throws your way. I'm staying flexible by figuring out ways I can employ my talents not only in a job setting but in my own life as well, so I can always be building on my empire.
So, in all this free time I currently have on my hands, I'm drawing like crazy; I'm writing like crazy (sorry not sorry); I'm researching like crazy; I'm learning like crazy. Every day I wake up and try to build on what I love and my capabilities like it's my new 9-5.
Every day you're alive is an opportunity to learn something new and add to what you're already an expert on.
3. Treat Myself like L'Oreal: 'Because I'm Worth It'
I'm a perfectionist, and sometimes I hate that. Nobody is perfect, not even Morgan Freeman -- even though his voice is the closest thing to God. It'd be so much easier to wake up everyday, after weeks of being unemployed and say: I'll never find a job or I got laid off because I wasn't good enough. It's easy to be miserable and beat yourself up, especially over things that just aren't under your control. On the flip-side, it's actually quite difficult to wake up every morning, full of optimism, and tell yourself: I will find a job one day because I know I'm good at what I do. I am worth it. But the moment you start to realize your potential, you give your mind the fuel it needs to work toward better.
You are worth it. Don't give up and don't give in; put some faith in yourself and you will win. To everyone who has been laid off and is still looking for work, even months later, I hope this post finds you well. Just keep actively working toward your goal, no matter how difficult it may be. And remember, you're not alone!