WHAT TO

DO AFTER
YOU LOSE
YOUR JOB
Advice for the newly unemployed
from the members of Connect:
Professional Women’s Network.!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Losing a job is never easy. “Give yourself time to grieve and
work through the loss. When you're ready, commit yourself fully
to find the best job for you. It's rough but you'll get through it.”
Sarah Caruso, Administrative Assistant
Reframe this as a time for growth. “Change can be scary,
but it is just outside of your comfort zone that you find out
exactly what you are made of.”

Kimberly O'Bannon, Deputy Program Manager

Take the good, leave the bad. “List what you contributed to the job, what
you got out of it that you can carry forward, and ways those things could be
applied to a new job. Once you feel sure of these things, you’ll be able to
convey them to the next employer. In a real way, we have to convince
ourselves first.”
Bridget M.M. S., Office Admin., Coach, Writer
Keep a routine, and keep moving. “Get out of the apartment as if you
were going to work. Workout at a gym early morning, go back home and
prepare a lunch daily. The key is remaining focused and positive over
losing a job. Work on you while unemployed.”
Edna Marie Norman, MSHRM, Executive Secretary
“Seize this opportunity to develop new skills. There are
plenty of courses online that are free and useful, like computer
programming courses for example, or even a second language!”
Katherine Copas, Marketing Communications Specialist
Get creative. “Try finding a work-at-home niche while searching for employment.
There are plenty of opportunities online for different fields. For example, an
administrative person can find proofreading and typing work. Sites like Fiverr.com
may also offer some cushion. Do a search online. There's so much out there.”

Audrey Malone, Writer, Editor and Administrative Specialist

Make connections in your community. Try doing some
volunteer work. It gives you an opportunity to network and give
back during this down time.

Chioma Robertson Phillips, HR Director/HR Business Partner

Find out what you truly want. “Reflect on your last position. What did you like/
dislike about it? Do you want your next position to be similar or completely different?
Before looking for another job, know what you want. Losing a job can definitely be
a blessing in disguise. You may just find yourself happier than before.”

Patrice Sutton, Social Media & Sourcing Specialist

And then go after it! “When you're ready, be aggressive. Don't
wait for opportunity to find you––find it. And when you land your
next adventure, do it energetically. It's a new beginning!”

Stephanie Tastad, Coach, Social Marketing, Event Planning

Your dream job is out there. “It sounds like a cliché, but the saying that
"when a door shuts a window will open” is true. Sometimes it takes quite a
while, but you must keep a positive attitude. It's very frustrating sometimes, but
someday soon you will find a company that will give you a chance to prove
what an asset you would be.”
Doris A. Wright, Administrative Professional
Join the conversation!
Connect: Professional Women’s Network, Powered by Citi, is an online
community on LinkedIn that helps women achieve the careers they want
and discuss the issues relevant to their success.

For more great insights from Connect members, check out

the discussion: What advice do you have for someone
who just lost their job?

Visit linkedin.com/womenconnect for more information

and to join the group for free!

PHOTO CREDITS:
1: Monkey Business Images 7: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock
/Shutterstock 8: Monkey Business Images
2: Ollyy/Shutterstock /Shutterstock
3: FocalPoint/Shutterstock 9: TEDconference/Flickr
4: TEDconference/Flickr 10: mezzotint/Shutterstock
5: xamogelo/Flickr 11: AR Pictures/Shutterstock
6: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock

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©2014 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK 13