Get Back on Your Feet: How to Recover from Job Loss

How to Recover from Job Loss – According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 17.75 million Americans were unemployed in June 2021, which is a historic low.

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of Americans losing their jobs throughout the year, which has impacted both the economy and families across the country.

If you are one of the many people who have lost their jobs this year, you’ll be happy to know there are actions you can take to get back on your feet.

Read this informative advice on how to recover from job loss.

Change Occupations

If you are struggling to find a similar position to your previous job, you might need to consider changing occupations, even temporarily. Consider your skillset and how you could apply it to another profession.

Think carefully about your transferable skills; they could make you an asset at another company, such as:

• Written communication
• Verbal communication
• Numeracy
• Time management
• Leadership
• Research and analytical skills
• Problem-solving

For example, if you have a talkative nature that served you well as a sales representative, you could flourish in customer service, retail, or healthcare role.

Update Your Skills

If you have noticed you no longer possess the qualifications or experience an employer is looking for in your field, you might need to update your skillset.

Taking a class or gaining a certificate could increase your knowledge on a subject and help you to create a standout resume.

The likes of LinkedIn can also provide free courses to help professionals increase their knowledge and boost their career prospects.

Gain a Degree in a Sought-After Field

Losing your job could also inspire you to upgrade your knowledge and experience in a brand-new industry.

If you want to improve your job security, and take your pick of sought-after positions in the future, earn a degree that offers career demand and exceptional earning potential.

For example, you could become a business asset by gaining an online MS in computer science degree, which offers different tracks in cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering.

Identify Industries That are Currently Hiring

Unfortunately, while some industries have struggled during 2021, other sectors are enjoying greater demand and profitability.

If you’re searching for a job with little success, you might need to focus on sectors that are currently booming, such as:

• Healthcare
• Retail
• Construction
• Warehousing
• E-commerce

Rather than sticking to the same field or profession with limited success, consider applying for an in-demand career to boost your financial security, such as a nursing assistant, construction worker, or cybersecurity analyst.

Use Your Network

Most people will know someone who is struggling with a reduced income or job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can trust no-one will judge you for reaching out to enquire about jobs at their organization or to introduce you to a senior member at a company you would love to join.

If anything, your contacts will admire your proactive nature after losing your job, which could even lead to them offering you a position at their organization or recommending you for a role.

Expand Your Network

In addition to reaching out to your contacts, you also should take the steps to expand your network.

Aim to form strong relationships with people of all levels across your industry, which could help you to learn about potential job opportunities.

Also, add former colleagues to your network. Another co-worker who lost their job might find a career elsewhere, and they could recommend you fill an open position at their new company.

Maintain a Record of Your Work

Impress every prospective boss you meet by providing them with an up-to-date record of your work, especially if you’re a graphic designer, web developer, or marketer.

For example, if you’re a writer, you could create a portfolio of any published articles you’re proud to present to an employer.

It could backup your career experience to date and will prove the quality of your work, so they might be more than happy to offer you a job at their brand.

Start a Business

Despite being filled with ambition, knowledge, and experience, you might be struggling to find a new position at a company.

If this is the case, you could put your skills to good use by starting a business, which could help you to generate an income for you and your family.

While launching a new venture will require a great deal of hard work and effort, it could transform your life and job security.

For example, if you have extensive experience as a professional cleaner, you could kickstart your own business for a small sum.

You also could look for a USP that could help you to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as providing cleaning services to retail stores or healthcare environments.

Find Freelance Work

Your old employer might not have had the money to spare for your skills, but other employers might be more than willing to pay you on a per-project basis.

Many business owners are now outsourcing to lower their overheads, as it can provide them with greater control over their company’s finances.

There are many career paths available when attempting to break into freelancing, such as:

• Photography
• Writing
• Bookkeeping
• Graphic design
• Website development
• Application development
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Tutoring

Various freelance writing websites can provide access to thousands of jobs that could match your needs, such as People Per Hour, Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru.

Conclusion

Losing your job can provide financial uncertainty and could eat into your self-esteem. However, there are different ways you can quickly get back on your feet to enjoy greater success throughout the years.

For example, you could change careers, earn a degree, use and expand your network, become a freelancer, or you could even start your own business.

How to Recover from Job Loss, however, essential to adopt a positive, proactive attitude, which will encourage you to wake up every day with the aim of finding a new position.