News of recent layoffs at industry giants including Goldman Sachs, Twitter, Stripe, and Microsoft have rocked the job market in recent months. As the threat of a recession looms, companies are looking to slash payrolls in anticipation of lower-than-expected earnings in the near future. While that may be good for the bottom line, thousands of workers are finding themselves without a job or under threat of imminent unemployment.
If you’ve recently been laid off, know that you are not alone. Many have been where you are now and have come out stronger on the other end. This is temporary. And although the feeling can be jarring, it’s important to take some steps now to be sure you’re ready to start your next opportunity when the time comes.
Get All Your Ducks in a Row
Receiving a notice of termination or furlough isn’t the end of the story. If you’ve already been laid off, be sure you have all the documentation from your former employer. Do you have insurance in order? Are you entitled to any type of compensation or benefits as part of your severance? Have you checked on your final paycheck and reviewed your 401(k) contributions?
Ensuring you have the proper documentation from the HR department and filing for unemployment are crucial for your own security. You’ll also want to do some research to be sure your employer was compliant with local employment law in their actions. While these steps can be daunting, they are the most important and time-sensitive tasks to ensure you’re able to get back on your feet.
Think Positively
There’s no sugarcoating it – layoffs suck. But, it’s important to remember that they’re not indicators of your skillset or performance as an employee. Oftentimes, they are the end result of things beyond your control. When thinking back to your time at your previous employer, focus on what went well and what you’re looking for in the future.
Many people use this time to reset and go after new opportunities that they’ve long been interested in. Set some time aside to consider what makes you happy and how you’ll achieve what’s next for you. Although this feels like an uncertain time, it can be a time of personal growth and opportunity. Don’t wallow; embrace it.
Leverage Your Network
You’ve spent years working hard and building a network. Now’s the time to put it to use. Even if you feel like you don’t have strong connections, there are likely dozens of former coworkers, managers and even friends who would be more than willing to connect you with new opportunities.
You don’t have to even reveal that you were laid off or ask outright for help. You can simply mention that you’re interested in something new and ask if they know of any options that might be a good fit. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but, if you don’t put yourself out there, you may miss out on the support your network can offer. Services like LinkedIn and ScaleFront can also provide you with easy access to online professional networks where you can exchange resumes and connect with others who are searching for talent.
Consider Freelance in the Interim
While job searching can feel like a full-time job, don’t feel like you have to wait for a job offer before you can actually start working. Freelancing can be a great way to add some extra cash to your pocket while also allowing you to hone existing skills and learn new ones. Some laid off workers have even built whole new careers as a result of freelancing following severance from full-time employment.
Whether you’re a developer, content writer, or social media expert, there are plenty of freelance websites where you can get started. If you’re looking for project work, ScaleFront has options from top tech companies who are recruiting for these services right now. You can choose from short or long-term assignments that match your skills, earning you extra income and, in some cases, a path to permanent employment.
Use ScaleFront to Find Your Next Opportunity
If your industry has reported recent layoffs, it’s understandable that you may be worried about your future. Whether you’ve already been laid off or are bracing for it, the good news is that work opportunities still abound in all sectors. It starts by knowing where to look.
ScaleFront is one great option. With an integrated recruiting platform and talent marketplace, you’ll be able to connect with qualified professionals from around the world who are looking for talent with your unique skills. And with customized filtering and an intelligent search platform, you’ll quickly find the exact open roles that match your background and interests.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term opportunity or something during a transition period, give ScaleFront a shot today!