Here's how you can reassess your career goals after a layoff.

I still remember the time I was asked to my boss’es office. It was 2008 financial crisis, I didn’t expect to get laid off. But they were doing a round of layoff and was letting go of all the latest hires. Looking at what I know now, my first tip is 1. Grieve - loss is hard. Even if you didn’t love your job, it makes you question yourself, your skills and don’t see enough people this traumatic experience 2. Celebrate what you learnt and forgive. It’s super hard to move forward if you are blaming your boss, the economy, company of colleagues. 3. Get clear on your vision- often times we never question where do you want to go and we end up drifting. So instead take this time to get clear so you know which direction to steer next

I coach some people who have been in this situation. The first thing to do is to truly understand that sometimes the decision is not personal but rather an adjustment that the company needed to make. Additionally, even before this traumatic event, you need to have career goals that extend for 3 to 5 years. Your resume should be able to tell the story of how you are building your competencies and experiences. The worst thing that could happen is to have a resume with no storytelling behind it. Furthermore, prior to this event, focus on network, network, network with others without asking for anything in exchange.

A layoff can be a great opportunity to work on our self-confidence. Many people believe that their value is equal to their work contribution. So, when they are laid off, their confidence often suffers. In fact, we are not defined solely by our work. Without the ability to dissociate ourselves from our jobs, our emotional health will always be at risk. Therefore, take advantage of a layoff to work on this mental separation between yourself and your work. Of course, it's easier said than done, so I would suggest practicing 5 minutes of meditation daily. It's like bodybuilding for your mental health, helping maintain a healthy distance between you and your work.

In the wake of a layoff, it's vital to take a moment to reflect deeply on your career journey. Consider what aspects of your previous roles were fulfilling and which felt out of sync with your true passions or skills. This introspective process is not just about reassessment but understanding your core values and identifying the work that genuinely motivates you. Use this reflective period to clearly define what you seek in your next role and what aspects of your previous jobs you are ready to leave behind. This clarity will be your guide as you navigate towards a more fulfilling career path.

Be clear and honest about your skills and capabilities. When listing them, avoid creating a laundry list; instead, focus on your core skills and abilities. Additionally, reach out to people you’ve worked with in the past. Ask them how they perceive you and how they would describe your strengths and weaknesses. Ask them to endorse your skills on LinkedIn.

Skill Inventory - Conduct an inventory of your technical abilities and soft skills to assess how they can transfer to new roles or industries. - Highlight entrepreneurial skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and self-motivation, which are valuable for opening new career avenues. - Identify areas where you need further development or retraining.

My simple advice: Be open and leverage as much as you can your network. You will need your network to identify opportunities, to better understand a given company (culture, etc.), but also to get an interview. This will help you go beyond the AI-robots :-)

In my opinion, exploring new career options is a valuable opportunity to pursue greater fulfillment and growth. It's a chance to step outside comfort zones and embrace new challenges. For example, conducting informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest can provide valuable insights and help clarify career goals. Researching various industries and networking actively can open doors to exciting possibilities and lead to informed decisions about future career paths.

Explore Options - Research and network within different fields to discover new career paths that could be more fulfilling. - Consider informational interviews with professionals in those areas to gain deeper insights and make informed decisions. - Use this exploration to identify possible pivots, whether switching industries or pursuing new roles.

In all your plans, if possible, don't hesitate to include sports. Exercise is a fantastic way to improve your mental health in any challenging situation and to enhance your performance during interviews. Remember, companies are looking for great skills and individuals who can bring positive energy to the team. So, don't focus solely on a tedious to-do list for finding a job. Also focus on your well-being and maintaining a positive mindset. It's challenging during a layoff, but it will significantly improve your ability to find your next opportunity.

With newfound clarity, embrace the power of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your career, aligning with the Rockefeller Habits we practice at Swaran Soft. These habits emphasize the importance of clear priorities and data-driven decision making, which are critical when setting both immediate objectives, like securing employment, and long-term aspirations. At Swaran Soft, our adherence to these principles ensures that every goal serves a strategic purpose, providing a clear roadmap and maintaining focus through transitions. Let these disciplined habits guide you through your career journey to success and fulfillment.

Set Targets - Establish SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) that address both immediate needs like securing a job and long-term aspirations. - Create a roadmap that will help you stay focused and track progress during this transition.

An action plan is your career blueprint, guiding you to achieve your goals through clear, actionable steps. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve learned the importance of meticulously planning each move. Start with updating your profile, optimizing your online presence, and pursuing relevant certifications. Prioritize tasks and set firm deadlines to maintain momentum. At Swaran Soft, this approach has propelled us from initial concepts to successful project completions and expansions. Remember, each small step is a crucial stride towards your broader career ambitions. Let’s plan, act, and ascend together.

Action Plan - Break down each goal into actionable steps, like updating your resume, improving your online presence, or gaining new certifications. - Prioritize these steps and set deadlines to maintain accountability. - Celebrate small wins along the way, acknowledging progress toward your larger ambitions.

Network Effectively - Reconnect with old colleagues, reach out to new contacts, and join professional groups to expand your network. - Treat networking as relationship-building rather than just exchanging business cards. - Recognize that opportunities could come from unexpected sources like a former co-worker or a new acquaintance.

Networking transcends mere business card exchanges; it's about forming lasting relationships that unlock new opportunities. Facing a layoff? Use it as a springboard to reconnect with former colleagues and meet new contacts. Dive into diverse professional groups and embrace the power of referrals. Your next opportunity could arise from a past coworker or a new connection. From my experience at Swaran Soft, effective networking is key to understanding market needs and driving entrepreneurial success. It's about listening, learning, and leading. Embrace networking not just as a tactic, but as a strategic tool for growth.

Many people view networking as a tedious transactional activity. However, numerous studies show that our happiness stems from our ability to build meaningful relationships. If you are laid off, you may find you have more time for networking. Use this opportunity to build meaningful relationships rather than transactional ones. By doing so, you will not only increase your happiness, but these meaningful relationships may also bring you many more opportunities for your next career move.

Don’t be afraid to start the exercise from the top with different perspectives added in. You may come up with a different plan of action you hadn’t considered.