How Can You Turn Setbacks into Opportunities

A month later after being laid off I secured a new job, with a higher salary, in a new city. What a blessing! Here’s how.

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“If we don’t meet our quota for this quarter; some people are going to lose their jobs.” This was the message from leadership on a Friday afternoon during an emergency team meeting. While the look of fear and worry spread across my colleagues faces; I was met with a warm feeling of calm and ease. After all, I had bounced back from two lay-offs within the last 10 years. If it was my time to go; it was a sign for me to grow, step outside of my comfort zone and move on to something greater.  The following Wednesday, I found myself sitting across the table from the head of our department. I was being laid off…again.

Just like before, I didn’t get upset, cry, or beg them to reconsider. I smiled, thanked them for the opportunity and walked away with my head held high. I was truly excited for what was ahead. On my way home that day; I grabbed a bottle of wine and invited my best friend and sister over for a celebration. We shared stories, laughed about the craziness of the year and toasted to my next journey. A month later, I secured a new job, with a higher salary, in a new city. What a blessing! Here’s how.

Focus on the positive in your life.

To help keep my spirits up; I reminded myself that this was a business decision. Being laid off did not mean that I was a failure. It did not mean that I was worthless or any less qualified then those who remained. I prayed, mediated, repeated positive affirmations and focused on the positive things that were happening to me. For example; my expenses decreased because there was no need for summer camp or weekly transportation cost. I helped my daughter start an in-home bakery that was well received amongst our neighbors. That was a rewarding experience because I used to think that I was horrible in the kitchen.  I also gave myself permission to enjoy my transition period. While job searching, I caught up on my favorite shows and completed some personal projects.  By the time I accepted my offer letter, I was well rested and mentally prepared to get back to work.

Begin with the end in mind.

Career Strategist Sherry Sims often speaks about the importance of giving your job an expiration date. Sherry encourages you to identify your next career move (internally or externally) and prepare yourself for that next step while on your current job. I had already established an expiration date for my current role. So, for the last two years before my layoff, I was preparing myself for a transition.

 I nurtured my network and stayed current with industry trends and skills. I set professional development goals and ensured that each quarter I was gaining wins and tracking my accomplishments. As I began the job search and interviewing process; I could confidently speak to my skills, accomplishments and the value I would add to a company. Did I go into the job thinking I was going to be laid off, no. Yet, I was prepared and that helped.

Click here for video by Sherry Sims on “Why Your Job Needs an Expiration Date.”

Don’t ignore the signs.

At the beginning of the year, I clearly remember joking with a colleague about us losing our jobs in 6 months; I was right. No, I am not psychic. Most times there are warning before a lay-off happens. Once you believe a lay-off is on the horizon follow these do’s and don’ts

Do:

Seek feedback on strengths and growth areas.

Update your resume or hire a professional resume writer!

Reconnect with your network over email, social media, skype, coffee or happy hour

Begin emailing yourself things that you may need (performance reviews, emails, projects, etc.)

Keep performing at a high level

Don’t:

Share your plans to leave on social media post. Share in private messages. Share your plans to leave with co-workers/boss.

Don't sabotage the team or speak ill of the company or throw your co-works under the bus to save yourself. Karma is real.

Dismiss the idea of relocating. Use site such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn to identify cities where your industry and skills are in high demand.

Being laid off can lead to a roller coaster of emotions but I know that most changes or “perceived setbacks” are the Higher Power’s way of teaching you a lesson or giving you a blessing. Receive both with open arms. You got this!