When your job just disappears - how to create your best future
The world can change in an instant.
As human beings we know this. We see it every day in sudden health scares, unforeseen choices made by people close to us, and in the sudden disappearance of work we love.
The immediate impact of these sudden changes is an unnerving lack of control. Someone else, or circumstances beyond our power, have more clout than we do. It feels like we don’t have a say in our lives any more.
We may feel a swirl of unnamed emotions and probably the overwhelming urge to regain control by taking immediate action. That’s a natural response.
But what if we choose to pause for thought, step back and take a longer view?
What is this dramatic change actually offering us?
Last week the airline Flybe , headquartered here in Exeter where I live, went into Administration. This impacted hundreds of their employees as well as others in their supply chain. On TV and social media we could see the awful shock of this news.
Those affected spoke of:
· their fears for the future
· their sadness at the demise of a much-loved employer
· the loss of meaning and community in their working lives
· optimism that they would win through
· apprehension that they would quickly secure a new source of income
· actions they would take to find new work
None of these are surprising reactions and if you’ve been unfortunate enough to experience redundancy of a sudden loss of your career, I’m sure you’ll be able to identify with some (or all) of these reactions. I know I could.
When the initial shock subsides, new perspectives can also start to take shape. Instead of feeling helpless and rushing to update CVs and LinkedIn profiles (useful though these activities may be), some people will want to take this opportunity to take stock and make a choice for the long term.
I realize that most people will have immediate financial concerns and will want to replace their lost income as soon as possible. Others may fear losing their career momentum and will therefore want to secure a similar role before they feel a scary professional vacuum take hold.
But what if this actually provides a much-needed opportunity to review a career that wasn’t quite providing the purpose, interest or meaning they really wanted?
What if you’d actually grown out of a role or were ready for a completely new kind of challenge?
At moments of immense change I think the first vital question to ask is:
What is this situation offering me?
You may not immediately see anything beyond what has been subtracted: professional identity, financial security, professional purpose or daily familiarity - to name but a few.
But when the dust has settled, is it possible to see this as a turning point rather than a catastrophe?
I have six questions that could help you to explore alternatives beyond the obvious choice of securing a similar role for another employer.
1. How urgent is this choice?
Take stock of your finances:
How long before you need to be earning your previous salary again?
What is your current financial reality? Take an audit
What cuts can you make to expenditure in the meantime?
What short-term earnings can you make?
What other sources of income are available to you?
What advice can you take?
Your answers give you a clearer view of your current reality and may open up a window to explore alternatives to your previous work. They may provide a valuable breathing space in your mission to regain control so it’s worth being sure you are dealing with financial facts – not fears.
2. What do you need and what do you want?
If you now have a clear picture of your financial needs, you can also start to think about your short or longer term personal and professional needs. To expand the picture, try asking yourself:
What do I need my career to do for me?
Your needs might include aspects of your circumstances which are difficult to change, like:
flexibility – because you need to be available to collect children from school
part-time – because caring for an elderly relative or studying
But make sure you check this really is a need, or can someone else take on those commitments, which have historically fallen to you?
The second part of this question refers to what we might want from our work. Very often these items can be seen as ‘nice to haves’. They point to greater personal fulfillment and to work that truly plays to your values, strengths, interests and purpose.
So could this be the time to ask for what you really want?
What matters most to you about your career? Is it status or social impact? Flexibility or teamwork? Perhaps appreciation is vital but creativity less so. Your answers point to values that you care about. Building a new career that aligns with your values will offer the opportunity for greater fulfillment. You can read more about values in this article.
Might now be the best time to expand your expectations?
If you’ve never given what you really want from your career much thought before, try downloading my Career Success Criteria worksheet.
When you’ve identified the top 5-6 of these, you’re gaining clarity on what a more fulfilling future looks like to you. I’d be happy to help you think constructively about what this might mean for your job search – or career change. Just drop me a message to arrange a free 30-minute discussion and what they suggest for your next steps.
3. What can you offer?
I can promise you one thing – it’s far more than you immediately think!
We have a tendency to undervalue our skills and experience, believing anyone could do the same. But this is not the time to be shy about your achievements, the valuable knowledge you have accumulated and the personal strengths you’ve developed over the years.
Whether you’re looking for the same role or for something completely different, having a clear list of achievements, skills and strengths will enable you to build a stronger profile on LinkedIn, a more impactful CV, or a more convincing application. If you’re tempted to start your own business or freelance, this clarity will also boost self-belief for your chosen path.
So start to understand your value to potential employers or clients by writing a list under the following headings, then produce some clear examples with quantifiable evidence where you can. This will speak to your success and achievements. Sprinkle these into your applications and you’ll not only make a much stronger case, but you’ll also build the magic ingredient - confidence that you have a great deal to offer.
If you get stuck, ask people who know you well – former colleagues or managers, trusted friends – what you’re known for or great at. Believe their answers and build this information into your documents.
· Skills – think broadly about functional, interpersonal and sector-specific skills. Also consider which of these skills you love to use and which are most developed. Which do you want to use in your next role?
· Experience – what sectors, industries or subjects are you most knowledgeable about? What’s your specialist area? What’s your profession? Think about how you could also apply this knowledge to a different environment and what problems you help to solve.
· Mindsets and attributes – how do you tackle a problem and show up at work? Are you known for your determination, imagination, dependability, willingness to learn or resilience? Are you optimistic, collaborative, enthusiastic or encouraging? What do you personally bring to your work which people around you really appreciate and rely on?
· Achievements – what are your proudest successes at work? Think of projects you managed, problems you solved, initiatives you introduced, or processes you developed. What was the situation before and how did you change things for the better? Having these success stories at your finger tips is essential in show your positive impact and effectiveness.
· Impact – when you start thinking about how your work affects your clients or society in general, you’re thinking about purpose. When you feel your work has meaning, it’s more likely you’ll be proud of what you do and feel a real sense of satisfaction from your career. I’ve written more about your WHY here – and believe me, when future employers see the energy you’ll bring because of this, they’ll want you in their team.
To get started, try my Joining the Dots workbook. You’ll be able to trace the golden thread that has driven your career so far - however varied it may seem to be from the outside. Just leave a message in the comments for your copy, or send me a request here.
These are just some of the career features we profile as part of my Quickstep Career Change Programme. We start the process with clarity on who you are and what you can offer because these provide great evidence of which work will provide the most personal rewards. Drop me a message if you’d like to hear more.
4. What are your options?
When your job disappears overnight, it’s easy to think your best option is to find a similar role in another organisation. I can’t argue with the logic of this, but are you missing a trick?
Here are some alternative options you might consider:
· Same role, different sector
· Transferring your favourite or most developed skills to a different role
· Using your knowledge for a different impact or client base
· Setting up your own business or freelancing
· Using your personal or professional strengths in a new sector, role or organization
· Taking time out to reflect on what you really need and want from your next move
· Studying within your field to enhance your offering or to open up a new career option
· Diving into one of your deepest interests. Conduct some research, carry out a survey or write a blog about an issue that you care about
· If you’re offered coaching or outplacement help, take it
· Where else in the country or in the world needs your skills or experience?
· If money was no object, what would you do?
5. Who can help?
Although it may sometimes feel like it, you’re not alone. You have a network of colleagues, friends, family – and their networks of the same – who could all help in some way. So, don’t be afraid to ask!
1. Reach out to people who know you and ask for:
· Information about a new sector, role or organisation you may be considering
· Recommendations on your LinkedIn profile to provide strong evidence of your professional success
· Referrals to current or future vacancies
· Help in spreading the word about your availability and what you’re looking for
2. If you’re not very active on LinkedIn, now might be a good time to revamp your profile. There are many experts like Jennifer Corcoran, Vic Williams or Lesley Anderson who can help you make the most of your profile and develop an effective strategy. I mention these three Devon-based specialists because they are all offering services or training for ex-Flybe employees as listed below:
Jennifer Corcoran
Free access to her online course
‘LinkedIn Profile Success’
https://my-super-connector.teachable.com/p/linkedin-profile-success
An email is required for set up and free access to this course is valid for all of 2020.
Lesley Anderson
Lesley is running a LinkedIn workshop for Flybe staff in Exeter on March 16 and 21st, with input from recruiters and the opportunity to get a free headshot from a pro photographer. She would love to see lots of people taking part! use the link above to book in.
Vic Williams
Will be hosting a free 2-hour LinkedIn webinar for all ex-Flybe staff. He will show you:
> How to set up your profile so that recruiters and employers can find you
> How to connect with the right people
> How to engage with potential employers and recruiters
To take advantage of Vic’s offer, follow this link .
Now back to LinkedIn - To get the most out of LinkedIn during this transitional period, don’t forget you can get involved in industry discussions, join groups, post articles or questions, and generally be active, supportive and share your know-how. By raising your visibility you will show your pro-activity, expertise, and interest in your subject. You will not be seen solely as someone looking for the next opportunity, but also as a professional who knows their stuff and makes a contribution.
Don’t forget the vacancies section - great for research about skills and experience required in your current or target role as well as for the job listings themselves.
If you’d like to connect with me on LinkedIn, just send me a request here – I’d love you to have access to my professional network.
3. Network, network, network
New opportunities often come from people we know – sometimes even before new jobs are actually advertised. 75% of my own roles have been secured through people passing me information, or sharing my details with the right person at the right time.
Identify the most relevant local networking groups and go along. Look for groups that are also offering training or discussions on hot topics. This will raise your profile and boost your market currency.
Ask questions and join in. Offer your professional or sector perspectives and let others know what you are on the lookout for. People love to help and to connect their contacts for a mutually beneficial impact.
4. Connect with local recruitment agencies
These are the people who live and breathe recruitment and you want them on your side. They know what’s happening in the local jobs market, what’s just around the corner, and how you can make the most of your experience.
Many will have useful guidance on their web sites to help you position yourself well, and will often provide advice on how you can best work with them. Reach out to them – they are the experts.
In the Exeter area, Sarah West Recruitment Consultants or Cathedral Appointments are very well connected and knowledgeable. You will see them in person in networking groups and on social media – there are many ways you can connect.
5. Career coaching
If you’re considering a change of career or want to take some time to explore all your options and build an effective strategy, try a career coach. Look out for coaches who are experienced in their field (I specialize in career change for example), who provide testimonials from previous clients, who are qualified, and offer structured programmes for people like you.
Beyond that, look for a coach you connect with – read their blogs or social media posts to check them out at a distance, then request a free Discovery Call. This is when you can both see whether coaching is your best option and whether this is the right coach for you.
Coaches will also help you manage uncertainty or fear, and identify your strengths so that you develop greater confidence about your future. They’ll be 100% on your side and will support YOU rather than forcing their own agenda.
You can usually find tons of free resources and career articles on their websites as well as the opportunity to sign up for their newsletters. Take advantage of the advice they share as these people are specialists in managing change and making successful career transitions.
6. Who’s looking after you?
Finding your next role may take some time. There are likely to be ups and downs before you secure your next position, so it’s important you look after yourself.
In order to be at your best for the task ahead, here are some practical tips:
· Get enough sleep. This may be easier said than done when you are feeling anxious and stressed, so create some good sleep routines including winding down before bed-time, eliminating screens from the bedroom, and having your bedroom at the right temperature
· Get enough exercise. Try to walk, run or cycle in the fresh air every day or go to the gym or classes if you prefer. Being active will help you sleep better as well as keeping your body in good shape and allowing thinking time away from screen or your CV
· Avoid energy drains – the people who moan, are negative and want too much from you. They’ll bring you down, and right now, you want to be at your best
· See people who boost your energy and lift your mood – people who are on your side, listen to what you want and don’t force their agenda or their own needs down your throat
· Read blogs, watch videos or listen to podcasts by people who inspire you or who know their stuff
· Develop daily habits that give you space to breathe, appreciate what you have, and be more at peace. There are many free Mindfulness resources available online, which may be a good place to start.
· Spend time doing things you love, that fascinate you or bring you joy. All these will give you a lift and may well remind you of other skills and interests you have beyond your previous role. Is there an alternative career here?
· Volunteer – it’s great for your wellbeing to feel you can still make a contribution. Where can you volunteer or offer a pro bono services? This will open up new possibilities as well as giving back – and you’ll have positive evidence of what you’ve been doing recently
· Set your boundaries – people around you may think you’re now free for all their projects. Beware! Be sure to balance your own needs in the short and long term before taking on additional commitments. Your full-time role right now is managing your career transition – I advise you to guard it well and only take on new commitments that take you in the right direction
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking. If you’d like more, try my free guide
A bright future is waiting for you
This may be hard to believe when you first lose a role you really enjoyed or relied on. You may be buffeted by strong emotions, false leads, dead ends - but ultimately, please do believe that you will secure a new role that’s great for you.
When I said goodbye to a job I loved – Head of Programming at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature – I wondered if I would ever find a job that rewarded me so perfectly again. I was also changing continents, so felt I was leaving my whole support network behind. While it wasn’t always easy, I did manage to firstly secure a new role that matched my experience well, and after a few years move into work that now fits me like a glove. This two-stage strategy offers immediate and long-term benefits - might this be your approach too?
I know when unforeseen change strikes, a successful transition really is possible – if I did it in my late 50s, so can you!
