One of the biggest de-motivators any professional can experience in their career is a micromanaging...
Staying Positive and Productive After Being Laid-Off
Losing a job can be a stressful and challenging experience. It is a sudden change that can leave you feeling anxious, uncertain, and overwhelmed. However, there are various ways to manage the stress of being laid off and cope with the situation. Here's what I suggest:
STAYCATION
I highly advise taking at least 2 days for yourself to do nothing - except maybe eat good, watch Netflix, workout, and catch up on sleep. If you're into the outdoors, going camping could prove very therapeutic. Either way, find somewhere to stay put for a few days and just relax and recover.
CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Being laid off from work can be isolating, especially if you live alone. Reach out to family and friends. They can provide emotional support, advice, and even job leads. Talking to someone you trust can help you manage your stress and anxiety. Most importantly here, is to have fun and laugh a little with the folks you enjoy spending time with. Work can consume a lot of time from us all, so we should take advantage of every moment that enables us to spend our time beyond our work, especially with loved ones.
PURSUE A HOBBY
Hobbies are an excellent way to relieve stress and keep your mind occupied (because Grandma always said an idle mind will go to waste). They can also be a source of income if you decide to turn your hobby into a business. You can try something new, like painting or cooking, or pick up an old hobby you enjoyed before you started working. Pursuing a hobby can also help you build a new social network and create a sense of purpose.
FREELANCE AND GIG WORK
Don't let your cash flow get too low. We all need gas money (or public transit money) and a bit of petty cash for our occasional splurge on small likes, such as coffee or fresh hot crispy fries. There's too many options to list, but it's all about your skillsets, interests, and access to tools and transportation. Be it Fiverr or Upwork, Handy or TaskRabbit, Uber or Lyft, etc. - just keep grindin'.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering can help you feel good about yourself and provide a sense of purpose. It can also help you build your skills and network with new people. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community or online. You can volunteer at a local nonprofit, hospital, or school. Volunteering can also help you gain experience in a new field, which can improve your job prospects. (I think I use this one a lot in my posts, but it's because volunteering is a great answer to a lot of situations).
To wrap it up, being laid off from work can indeed be stressful and challenging. It can also be a blessing in disguise, depending on how you react. Regardless of the circumstances, it's essential to take care of yourself and to seek help if you need it.
