If you are reading this article, it probably means you lost your job during the Covid-19 pandemic. And because 60 percent of the businesses that closed will never open again, the job market isn’t at its best. These tips will help you make a plan on what to do next. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself for what happened, take action to change your situation for the better. Start right now, and you will see results in no time.
Manage Your Emotions
This year is one of the worst times to lose your job. The Covid-19 pandemic generated a recession that we haven’t seen in a long time. Many companies suffered, and millions of Americans found themselves without a job. So, you aren’t alone on this. This isn’t supposed to make you feel better, but it does mean that the government, organizations, and companies have enabled many resources to help you.
You probably feel stressed, depressed, anxious, worried, and uncertain of what will happen next. But try not to let those feelings keep you down. The first step is to identify how you are feeling. That way, you can implement some techniques to try and manage them. For example, working out every day is an excellent method to manage stress and anxiety.
Make yourself get out of bed even on those days you don’t have the motivation. Going out of the house to a park or for a walk can also make a difference. The important part is that you take action to find another job even when you don’t feel like it. Don’t let your feelings rule you.
Create a New Budget
Things are starting to go back to normal for many companies, operation wise. But you still don’t know how long it will take you to find another job. That’s why you should be financially prepared for anything. Make a new budget that will adapt to your new situation. You can start by cutting off any expenses that aren’t essential.
For example, maybe buying generic hair care products is something you can do for a few months. Try talking to credit card providers to renegotiate your payments, and do the same with other debt you may have. The idea is to only spend money on food, rent, bills, and debts that cannot wait.
Creating a new budget will help you survive if you find some side hustle. And if you have savings, you will be able to stretch it as long as possible.
Update Your Resume
Another tip you can follow is to update your resume. The resume is the first contact you have with all the potential employers, so it should really represent who you are as a professional. The first step is to add any new experience you’ve gained since the last time you edit it. If it becomes too crowded with what you add, try to cut off any experience that isn’t relevant to the jobs you will be applying for.
You can also play around with the format to make it look more modern. Change the font and rearrange the sections to highlight things like analytical skills that employers look for. You can also add a little color to make it look pleasant to the eye.
Update Your Skills
Take advantage of the time until you find another job to update your skills. You can start by researching the skill that is in high demand for your career. For example, if you are a full-stack developer, employers look for candidates that know Ruby, Python, and .NET. Look for the new software or programs that companies in your niche are using so you can stand out when looking for a job.
Besides, you have many options to learn something in the world we live in today. You can learn part-time or full-time, on online platforms, or in-person. You can find a course that will adapt to your needs. If you don’t have the money, you can even find resources for free, like free coding courses or digital marketing skills.
In Summary
The first step to take if you lose your job is to learn how to manage your feelings. Difficult situations can bring a lot of negative emotions that, if left alone, will have a serious impact on your mental health. Make a new budget to lead a more conservative lifestyle.
Remember to update your resume before you start applying to jobs and update your skills. You can learn with online courses, coding bootcamps, vocational training, or by yourself. Whatever works for you.
XOXO
