Strategies to keep your career on track after a layoff
Millions of people found themselves out of work as efforts to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus CO-VID-19 took a toll on the economy. In many places, businesses deemed non-essential were forced to close their facilities to customers, leading many employers to lay off valued staff members.
Confronting a layoff can be difficult. Unlike employees who are fired for cause, laid off workers typically find themselves out of work through no fault of their own. Such was the case for millions of people across the globe whose layoffs were related to the COVID-19 virus. Prior to the outbreak, millions of hardworking, talented professionals had no reason to doubt their career prospects. But after the outbreak and its effects on the economy, those same people, now out of work, may be wondering if there’s anything they can do to keep their careers on track. While laid off workers recognize there are no guarantees in regard to getting their jobs back, they can take steps to keep their careers on track even while they’re not working.
• Continue to be productive. No one will blame a newly out-of-work professional for taking a few days to process their situation and take a deep breath. But it’s important that laid off workers continue to be productive even if they’re not working. Traditional freelancing may not make financial sense for those seeking to secure unemployment benefits, but that does not mean you cannot still work. Set up a blog or vlog where you can showcase your credentials and experience. Offer to serve as a virtual mentor for young professionals or students without much business experience. Using your time productively, and having something like a blog or vlog to show for those efforts, can help you stay on track and land another opportunity when the job market becomes more active.
• Study up. Technology has ensured that modern industry is ever-changing, and laid off workers can use their down time to study up on the latest trends and best practices in their fields. This is an ideal time to fill gaps on your résumé and turn a negative into a positive. If possible, enroll in an online course with a local college or university, or make use of virtual learning programs offered by local libraries or chambers of commerce.
• Research your next job. Uncertainty has reigned in many industries thanks to COV-ID-19, so finding a new job before social distancing restrictions are lifted may be especially difficult. But laid off workers can use their down time as an opportunity to research their next job. Do your homework on companies within your industry, learning about their client base, culture and goals for the future. Putting forth such an effort now can pay significant dividends when restrictions are lifted and companies attempt to rebuild their staffs.
Professionals laid off due to the COVID-19-related economic fallout can use their down time to their advantage and keep their careers stay on track.
