by One of the biggest and scariest changes forced on a person is when they lose their job.
The brain immediately goes into flight or fight mode and shuts down any rational thought.
I got fired 23 years ago.
I had bills to pay.
I had a fiancé to provide for.
I had a home to maintain.
I received all sorts of unsolicited advice:
- “Beat the streets for a new job.”
- “Beg for your old job back.”
- “Flip burgers, mop floors, or panhandle – do whatever you need to do…”
I know, I know…
They were trying to help, I get it.
Knowing what I know now, you know the first thing I tell people to do?
Breathe.
Just breathe!
This allows your brain to calm down so you can think more clearly.
Second, I tell them to pray.
God knows your needs and he wants you to recognize that you can’t do this alone. Times like these take a little faith and trust to know that they will work out.
23 years ago, I had just finished my degree and worked as a junior accountant. My boss told me he would not be able to pay me what we had discussed earlier in the year. I was getting married in the fall and my wage wasn’t enough to raise a family on.
I had to find work that would pay me a wage I needed.
Within a few weeks, I asked my boss to take a day off to travel to an another province for a job interview, figuring honesty was the best policy.
The next day, after the interview, I arrived at work and my boss fired me on the spot. He told me I wasn’t performing the way he expected me to and was letting me go.
My mind raced.
I had no money coming in, no real job prospects, and a house to pay for.
Luckily, I received unemployment insurance for a few weeks, while I tried to figure my life out.
Eventually, I received a call from the company I interviewed for and made me an offer.
Have you lost your job and are “freaking out”?
Stop whatever you’re doing and write down your top five skills/experiences.
Ask yourself who might need them and where you can find those people/organizations.
Research the organizations; Find out what they do and what they need.
Setup an informal meeting with representatives from each organization so you can share how your skills solve whatever needs or problems they have.
Most people want to help. If they don’t have a need at that moment, they might later on and remember you. They might also point you in the direction of another person or organization who might need your skills.
Don’t be shy! Get out there and sell yourself, you never know what will happen.
Every conversation is an opportunity to connect with someone and learn something new.
