Laid off

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Unemployment: It's a situation that many fear that can lead to financial hardship and high levels of stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. For anyone who has been laid off, had their employment terminated, or quit their job, facing down the barrel of unemployment is a scary prospect.

For whatever reason you are out of a job, being unemployed is no time to be complacent. Instead, look at your period of unemployment as an opportunity to reassess yourself as well as reinvent yourself. They say that as one door closes, another door opens. Use this period wisely and that other door may be a giant leap forward in your career path.

There are many strategies you can use to help you empower yourself, take control of your situation, and make the most of the time you have on your hands.

Here are four ways to take advantage of being unemployed.

1. Volunteer

Take an interest in what is happening in your community and get involved. Join one or more local community groups and volunteer some of your time and expertise. Volunteering always looks good on a resume and showing an active interest in your community will be positively viewed by employers.

In addition, volunteering gives you the opportunity to network with people from all walks of life, and this, in turn, could lead to your next job.

Good points of contact are your local Lions or Rotary clubs.

2. Learn New Skills

Keep your mind active by learning a new skill. Potential employers will look positively on the fact that you have been using your time wisely to keep up with industry changes or develop a new skill.

A great place to start is with free or low-cost online courses. If you find the courses you want to take cost a good amount of money, think of them as an investment in yourself.

In addition, pay attention to any industry developments in the news so that when it comes time to apply for that dream job, you are prepared to discuss not just your role but the industry at large and how the skills you've developed will help you succeed in that role.

3. Work Out

At such a stressful time, you need to take extra care of yourself. There's no excuse now for putting off starting an exercise regimen because you don't have the time. You have plenty of it.

You don't have to join a gym or get a personal trainer. Take up running or cycling, go on expeditions to explore your local area, or simply create your own at-home daily exercise routine and stick to it. You'll look better, feel better, and feel less stressedâall of which will boost your confidence.

4. Rework Your Resume/CV

Now is definitely the time to update and polish your resume. If you've been in the same job for a long time, it might be a good idea to research the best way to optimize your resume so it gets past the ATS.

In addition, start improving your online presence by creating or updating your LinkedIn profile and joining professional industry groups. This is all a form of networking and a great way for you to find opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

Also, sign up for daily job alerts and make your interview bucket list. The more targeted your job search, the easier it will be to find a job.

So, are you feeling a bit better about being unemployed? We hope so! If you want to take advantage of being unemployed, you just have to follow the four tips above.

Remember: Don't view unemployment as a setback. Think of it as an opportunity to improve your careerâbecause that's what it is!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Ways To Take Advantage Of Being …

Why Companies Fire People To Save Money

There are a lot of companies that will choose to fire employees instead of laying them off. Let's walk through the instances when this happens so you can better prepare yourself.

Placing The Blame On You

Lots of companies right now are deciding to make significant cuts. They aren't making their numbers. They're not feeling financially secure. Whatever the reason may be, the biggest expense is people, so the fastest way to save money is to cut staff.

Now, most companies will be transparent about this and admit that it's a layoff. They didn't perform well. They need to make changes. They're laying you off through no fault of your own. It stinks, but nobody's blaming you. However, there are companies out there that will say that it's a firing instead.

When companies fire employees instead of laying them off, they're saying it's not their fault. It's not their fault you're suddenly underperforming and, therefore, they're going to fire you. How ironic is it that you were getting great performance reviews, everything was going fine, and then all of a sudden you're having a performance issue?

What normally happens is the company has figured out that they can get somebody to do your job for a lot cheaper. There are a whole bunch of people in the job market who will do your job at a lower pay. But if the company lays you off in order to save money, there are laws around discrimination that you could cite and then file a charge of discrimination against them.

Some companies want to avoid any risk of this, so instead they suddenly decide you're not performing and they document that and gather the paperwork to be able to prove that you're not performing (you're the problem) so they can fire you. This is how they avoid lawsuits. And when they fire you, they can replace you and hire somebody for less money.

You can never take your eye off the ball as long as you are working. If you're making a wage that you want to keep making, you need to watch your market conditions because if you're not growing, you're dying in your career.

Way too many people get into kind of an autopilot situation where they're not really growing and evolving with the market. And it's not just about amassing more skills. It's about strategically understanding the direction your career needs to go in so you stay relevant and in demand. You can have all the skills and experience in the world, but if you don't know how to package that up and market it correctly to employers, you're not going to differentiate yourself in the market and stay competitive.

Please be on the lookout for this situation in your career. The moment your company realizes they can have someone do your job for less money, you're going to become a performance issue. It's easier to fire you than it is to lay you off. Remember that, and make sure you know your unique value add (UVA).

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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Why Companies Fire People To Save Money

Writing a career change resume can be tricky. How can you effectively market yourself to employers in a different industry when you don't have nearly enough experience as the average candidate applying for the same job as you?

If you're looking to make a career change, optimizing your resume becomes even more important than it normally is. It's also critical to write a disruptive cover letter and make strategic networking and intentional branding the priority.

Follow these five tips for an effective career change resume so you can land your dream job in a new industry.

1. Create An Interview Bucket List

An interview bucket list is a list of 10-20 companies you'd love to work for. Before beginning your job search as a career changer, having an interview bucket list is a must.

How can you identify the right companies to add to your interview bucket list? Well, it's simpler than it sounds. Think about the companies you admireâfor their mission, the product or service they provide, or both. Then, determine whether you could find an opportunity at these companies that aligns with your career change goals.

When creating your interview bucket list, you're ultimately looking for companies you connect with. Why are you passionate about working for them? Tell that connection story in your disruptive cover letter. Then, you'll be able to tailor your resume for specific job openings at these companies, customizing it for each position that you apply for. This leads to our next tip for a career change resume...

2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are hard skills that are in demand across many different roles and industries. As a career changer, highlighting your transferable skills on your resume is the key to looking as qualified as possible for the position you're applying for.

Never include soft skills on your resume. It doesn't matter whether you're changing careers or not. Soft skills cannot be quantified. Therefore, they do not belong on your resume.

For example, "detail-oriented" is a soft skill, and "project management" is a transferable skill. You may not have experience managing the types of projects in the industry you're looking to get a job in, but if you have the skill, you'll likely be able to transition into a role that requires project management smoothly.

3. Focus On Your Accomplishments

In the "Work History" section of your resume, you'll want to focus on what you accomplished in previous roles, keeping your transferable skills in mind. For each role you list, you should have at least three bullet points detailing your quantifiable accomplishments.

Employers want to see what you accomplished in your previous roles and how those accomplishments could translate to success in their industry. They don't care what your tasks or responsibilities were. That won't tell them the value you provide as a business-of-one.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career? Write those down. Hiring managers will probably be impressed by them too.

4. Avoid Irrelevant Information

Any irrelevant information you include on your career change resume will hurt your chances of getting an interview. Hiring managers spend only seconds reviewing each resume that comes across their desk. If they can't easily identify relevant information, they'll assume you aren't qualified for the position and toss your resume.

Only including relevant information on your resume will be difficult if you're changing careers. But if you follow the tips above, you should be on the right track.

5. Use The "Additional Experience" Section To Your Advantage

The "Additional Experience" section of your resume is the perfect place to showcase more relevant work or volunteer experience for the industry you're looking to switch to.

Did you volunteer at an organization within the same industry? Have you worked on special projects that involved the industry in some way? This section is where you should include any remaining relevant information you believe makes you qualified for the job you're applying for.

These five tips will help you write an effective career change resume. Just remember the importance of strategic networking and intentional branding in your job search as well.

To get your resume in front of hiring managers, you'll likely need to go around the ATS and focus on networking your way into companies by connecting with current employees of these companies on LinkedIn. Customizing your resume, writing a disruptive cover letter, and having a solid networking strategy will help you successfully change careers.

Need more help with your career change resume?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Tips For A Career Change Resume

4 Healing Tips For The Broken-Hearted Job Seeker

Someone once told me a corporation was a nasty thing to fall in love withâbecause it will NEVER love you back. This is something every job seeker should realize.

The rules of loyalty in the workforce are changing. No one can deny that. However, knowing this doesnât change the pain of getting laid off or let go. It hurts. It can wound. Each of us reacts in one of two ways: either by getting mad and hating the company we used to love, or by blaming ourselves in what can be called a state of numbness.

These wounds deserve every bit of healing we have. However, because our financial situation may depend on sweeping the pain aside and getting another job as quickly as possible, we might need a strategy for getting past this stage.

For those of you who canât afford to wait three months to regroup, lick the wounds, and find your emotional footing again, I offer these simple speed coping tips for the unemployed job seeker...

1. Stop The Story

Stop replaying the day you got the pink slip. Stop repeating the story that is upsetting you. Instead, replace it with what you need to do right now.

2. Stop And Breathe

Calm down. You can never get anywhere if your mind is still in fighting mode or if you are numb. Wake up in the morning and count 10 breaths. Allow your mind to come back down.

3. Allow The Parts

Allow the part of you that is angry to be angryâon the weekend when you can afford it. Allow that part of you that is sad or afraid to feel that way, after 5:00 pm when youâve completed your job search tasks for the day.

4. Let It Out

Find new ways to channel the emotion. If you punch, then punch a punching bag. If you shout, then shout in the car on the highway. If you cry, then give yourself space to do that. And when you are done, leave the emotion there.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Healing Tips For The Broken-Hearted Job …

Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You Were “Terminated” From A Job

If your position gets terminated, should you mention that in your next interview? Many job seekers face this dilemma in their job search when they're newly unemployed. First, you need to determine what type of termination occurred.

There are two types of termination: voluntary and involuntary. If you quit, that's called voluntary termination. If it's involuntary termination, there are two types of that: you got fired or you got laid off. And those are also very different. Fired means you did something wrong and they couldn't keep you. Laid off means you did nothing wrong. They were in financial trouble and they couldn't keep you. So as you go down that decision tree, you'll have to clarify what type of termination happenedâwhat "terminated" means in your case.

Don't Say You Were "Terminated." Say This Instead...

My personal advice as a 20-year career coaching veteran is if you quit a job, make sure you tell the employer that information and explain why you quit. If you got fired from a job, you want to try to explain that as objectively as you can without making any excusesâowning your mistakes. And if you got laid off, tell them you got laid off. It was beyond your control.

I wouldn't use the word "terminated" at all. Instead, I'd get very clear on what happened and I would use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer the "Why did you leave your job?" question in a way that's very factual and succinct, that has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and is structured.

That kind of structured response is the most important thing to do in this situation because it shows that you've really thought about what happened and want to make sure they properly understand.

This is how you score points in a job interview. I see people every single day who have been fired or laid off from jobs using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to answer difficult interview questions. And then the recruiter and hiring manager say, "Great answer," and move on because these things happen. They're out of our control sometimes, or they're in our control and we learn from them.

You need a better response. So don't use the word "terminated." Get really clear and remember the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model. You can do this.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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Interview Tips: Why You Shouldn’t Say You …

When Companies Start Firing People To Avoid Layoffs

Unfortunately, it's true: many companies will start firing people to avoid additional layoffs. If you're currently employed and worry that your company might fire people instead of announcing layoffs, what can you do to prepare for the worst?

Here's what J.T. O'Donnell, Work It DAILY's founder and CEO, advises professionals to do if they're in this situation...

Prepare To Explain The Situation To Future Employers

Companies facing financial troubles after massive layoffs are placing more employees on performance reviews to avoid additional layoff costs and boost productivity. Survivors of these layoffs should prepare to explain their situation in future job interviews, as many employers conduct reference checks.

To address this issue effectively, consider using the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model when asked about the situation (your reason for leaving/getting fired) in job interviews. The "Experience + Learn = Grow" model is the best way to answer behavioral interview questionsâthose hard interview questions that require a lot more than a "yes" or "no" answer.

When you use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model to explain this situation to employers in job interviews, you provide a factual response about the layoffs, your commitment to improving, and your proactive approach to personal growth, demonstrating accountability.

It's unfortunate that when companies are in financial trouble, they feel like they need to blame people who they think are no longer performing. They put them on performance reviews and then fire them instead of announcing layoffs. There are some warning signs, and there are things that you can do to combat this. But most importantly, you should be prepared to explain why you got fired from a job if you know it had to do with their financial situation and their desire to avoid layoffs.

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When Companies Start Firing People To Avoid …

In this week's edition of the Work It DAILY Weekly Update, we discuss the importance of employers offering outplacement services and briefly touch on how recent events nationally impact the workplace.

The Importance Of Offering Outplacement Services

Laid-off employee on laptop uses outplacement services in their job search

Last week, the National Bureau of Economic Research officially declared that the U.S. economy was in a recession.

For the millions of people who have lost their jobs, this doesn't come as a surprise. Making matters worse is the fact that the newly unemployed are heading into this recession lacking the basic job search skills they need to navigate the competitive job search process that accompanies a recession.

In some ways, this would be an easy problem to address if more companies offered outplacement services to the employers they let go. Unfortunately, most don't!

Work It DAILY founder and CEO J.T. O'Donnell touched extensively on the issue recently via her LinkedIn newsletter and podcast JT Talks Jobs.

Most companies offer job coaching/outplacement to laid-off executives, but not the rest of the workforce, according to O'Donnell.

As part of tax code changes made in 2017, people are no longer allowed to write off job search and coaching as an expense on their taxes, which puts even more burden on those impacted by layoffs, while companies are able to write it off as a business expense.

O'Donnell suggests that those who have been laid off should go back to their former employer and ask for assistance with job coaching, while challenging managers or business leaders who have laid people off to go back to their executive teams and ask them to find it in their budget to pay for outplacement for their staff.

There's a misconception that outplacement is expensive and will break the bank for their companies. However, this is no longer the case! Services like the ones offered by Work It DAILY are both affordable and can be done virtually through a computer or phone application.

Companies need to be more open-minded about helping layoff victims secure outplacement/career coaching services. Not only is it the right thing to do in this recession, but it's good business!

For one, the sooner your former employees get jobs, the less you pay in insurance rates. But, most importantly, employees will remember how they were treated in their time of need. Those employees will take to sites like Glassdoor and Indeed to share their experiences, and bad experiences have a way of sticking with companies and hurting their employer brand.

No one knows how long this recession will be, or the ultimate damage from it, but anything a company can do to help laid-off employees will go a long way towards putting the company on the right side of history.

Good News Of The Week

Peloton recently donated $500,000 to the NAACP

Exercise and media company Peloton was one of the first companies to make a major statement about racism in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Peloton made the poignant statement via Twitter and the message included the announcement that they were making a $500,000 donation to the NAACP.

Peloton has been praised for the tone of the message and taking immediate action with their donation. They were also praised for the way they ended their message. "We have more work to do. Will you join us?" This serves as an acknowledgment that statements and donations won't solve the problem alone and a call to action for other businesses to step up and help in the process.

Resource Of The Week

Coworkers discuss diversity and the company's role in improving society during a work meeting

As stated above, many U.S. companies are trying to figure out ways to show support and join the fight against racism.

For some companies, it's putting out public statements against racism. Others are donating to African-American causes, and many more companies are holding discussions about how to meaningfully participate in making positive changes to both the workplace and society.

Out of all these steps, having ongoing discussions about race and diversity is the most important. It's important that discussions not only happen now in these times of unrest, but they continue. The only way to make positive change is to constantly keep these issues at the forefront.

What meaningful change looks like and the timetable for it will vary by company and that company's circumstances, but one thing is for certain moving forward: remaining silent isn't an option.

Businesses are an essential part of society, and all of society must participate in making a difference. The Harvard Business Review recently linked some helpful articles and books to help discussions about race and there are also many great organizations that empower African Americans that are worth learning more about.

Give yourself an even greater edge by becoming a Work It DAILY member today! Get access to one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, online tutorials, and unlimited networking opportunitiesâall at an affordable price.

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Outplacement Is An Essential Service To Offer …

Does your company currently provide outplacement services for laid-off employees? Maybe you do, but only for executives or C-suite members. No matter your company's outplacement strategy, it's time for your organization to invest in modern outplacement servicesâbecause your company alumni deserve it.

Outplacement services offer structured support to outgoing employees, helping them transition smoothly into new career opportunities. Outplacement is also an investment that can yield numerous benefits for a company, contributing to overall organizational success during periods of change or downsizing.

Benefits Of Outplacement Services

For laid-off employees, outplacement services offer a range of valuable benefits. These services are designed to provide practical and emotional support, helping individuals navigate the challenges of finding new employment opportunities. The best outplacement services empower employees with the tools, knowledge, and emotional assistance needed to successfully navigate a job search or career transition after a layoff and move forward with confidence and optimism.

For a company, investing in outplacement services reflects a commitment to ethical and responsible business practices, supporting departing employees, and reinforcing a positive employer brand, all of which can contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

Benefits for Employees:

Personalized guidance and assistance with job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and networking.
Access to training and development resources that can enhance their skills and marketability in a competitive job market.
Emotional support and guidance to help maintain confidence and motivation during a potentially challenging period.
Access to networking events, job fairs, and industry connections.
Targeted assistance based on their unique skills, experience, and aspirations.
Quicker results than if they were navigating the process on their own due to expert guidance and resources.
Sense of closure and support that allows them to leave their previous job on a positive note and foster a sense of gratitude towards their former employer.

Benefits for Your Company:

Accelerates the re-employment process for laid-off employees, reducing the financial and emotional strain on them and their families.
Boosts morale among remaining staff by demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of departing employees.
Enhances the company's reputation and preserves its employer brand from positive word-of-mouth from departing employees, which can help attract top talent in the future and mitigate negative publicity.
Maintains productivity and engagement levels among remaining staff, as they perceive that the company values its workforce, even during challenging times.
Leads to shorter unemployment periods for laid-off employees, potentially reducing the company's financial burden related to severance packages and unemployment insurance.
Minimizes the risk of potential legal actions by showing that the company has taken steps to support employees during layoffs.
Contributes to a positive workplace/organizational culture by showcasing the company's commitment to its values and fostering a sense of loyalty among both current and former employees.

The Problem With Traditional Outplacement Services

Traditional outplacement services are expensive. Most start-ups and newer companies can't afford to invest in traditional outplacement services for laid-off employees, and larger companies might be hesitant to invest due to the cost, especially when hundreds or thousands of employees might be laid off at one time.

Individual coaching is the most expensive type of coaching available with traditional outplacement services. A company could opt for group coaching, which is typically a cheaper option, but that can be less customized, less confidential, and less effective.

Work It DAILY's Alumni Services: A Modern Approach To Outplacement

We know that outplacement services have numerous benefits for both employees and companies. But the cost of traditional outplacement services is a major drawback. So, what's the updated, modern solution?

Work It DAILY's Alumni Services.

Work It DAILY, an expert-led, online, on-demand career coaching platform, can help your organization manage layoffs effectively at a fraction of the price of "traditional" outplacement services.

Services include:

24/7 access to our coaching team for questions and material reviews
24/7 access to a private online community
Resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn reviews
Interview preparation help
Unlimited networking opportunities inside the platform
Access to 14 exclusive online courses (over 200 hours of video content)

Your ex-employees are your company alumni. If you believe your company and every past, present, and future employee deserves the best outplacement services, contact us today and receive your confidential information packet.

Traditional outplacement services are outdated. Alumni Services is the new outplacement you've been looking for: affordable, effective, and led by expert coaches Check out Work It DAILY's Alumni Services today. Your company and all its alumni will thank you.

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Alumni Services: The New Outplacement Your Company …

Losing your job is hard, no matter the circumstances. When you're part of a layoff, your bank account isn't the only thing that takes a hit. So does your self-esteem.

Being laid off is probably one of the most professionally traumatic experiences you'll ever have in your career. Within a day, you lose part of your identityâarguably the most important part.

When you have a job, you have a purpose. You have a reason to get up in the morning. You're "needed." So what happens when all that goes away? The things that so clearly defined you before are now gone. Who are you as a professional? Are you really as valuable of an employee as you thought? If you're not needed at this company, will you be needed, wanted, somewhere else?

It's completely normal to grieve the loss of your job when you get laid off. But as difficult as losing your job may seem right now, it can lead to something positive. This so-called "bad career experience" could very well bring you a better opportunity and give you a fresh start.

Here are seven tips to help you deal with being laid off:

1. Take A Break & Reflect

Woman thinks/reflects after being laid off

Give yourself a few days to process the layoff. You need time and space to go through the five stages of grief. This is an opportunity for you to take a break and reflect on your career. Ask yourself some questions. Think about your career goals. Remember what you have already accomplished.

Don't rush into the job market the day after you've been laid off, and don't make any big decisions in that first week of unemployment. Use this as a sign that you should relax and take a deep breath.

2. Do A Financial Assessment

Couple does a financial assessment after experiencing a layoff

Money is always a huge stressor for those who get laid off. To keep your anxiety and stress under control, do a financial assessment as soon as possible.

Figure out how long you have to look for a job before the money runs out and give yourself enough time to do so. Look at what you spend money on. How can you cut back?

3. Talk It Out With Someone You Love

Man talks about getting laid off with a friend

After being laid off, you'll likely feel angry, resentful, sad, and maybe even depressed. These feelings could be amplified if you really loved your job and the company that you worked for. When you move past the denial stage, make sure you talk everything out with a loved one.

When you're at your lowest point, family and friends will remind you of your strengths, accomplishments, and dreams. They'll validate your feelings and remind you to be grateful for all that you have. Get that negativity out of your system before you meet any recruiters. They will sense your bitterness, and it won't reflect well on you.

Surround yourself with positive people and be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up about what's happened, and make sure you're eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

4. Prepare Your Story

Happy woman on laptop bounces back after getting laid off

If you've been part of a big layoff that is all over the news, it is easier to explain why you got laid off. But otherwise, you will have to explain to prospective employers what happened.

A short, positive, and concise story is best. Perhaps your department was restructured or your job was moved to a different location. Take ownership and explain what you learned from the experience. Make sure your story will be backed up by your manager or any other references your future employer might want to contact.

5. Explore Opportunities

Man on laptop explores job opportunities after being laid off

Before you contact your network or send out any applications, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are updated. Then, you can reach out to former colleagues, friends, or any other connections who work for organizations that interest you.

Create an interview bucket list. Conduct some informational interviews if you're looking to work in a different industry or make a career change. Depending on what you do and your location, you might want to start looking at contract/temp/interim work in the meantime.

6. Keep The Momentum Going

Woman on phone stays positive after being laid off

Conducting an effective job search is all about "working it daily." You need to be proactive and strategic.

Make sure you tailor your resume to specific jobs to maximize your chances of getting hired. Write compelling disruptive cover letters. Network your way around the ATS. But most of all, don't stop your job search activities, even if you're in the advanced interviewing stages with one company. You may think you're a shoo-in for a position, but anything can happen.

7. Stay Positive

It is easy to feel sorry for yourself when you've lost a job. You might have regrets about not saving more money, not looking for a job earlier, or not doing enough to keep your job in the first place. However, this negative self-talk will only hold you back in your career and prevent you from getting back on your feet.

Make a conscious effort to stay positive. Surround yourself with positive people and think of the obstacles you've dealt with in the past and what you've achieved. Build your confidence, and potential employers will take note.

We hope these tips help you deal with being laid off in a positive and productive way. You can and will overcome this career setback. We think you'll find it isn't really a setback after all...

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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7 Tips To Help You Deal With …

Anyone who's ever been unemployed (or looked for a job while employed) knows how stressful and exhausting the job search process can be. So, during your job search, should you feel guilty for taking some time for yourself?

The short answer: No. Of course not.

If we're not spending every waking moment applying for jobs, sometimes it's easy to feel guiltyâlike we're not doing EVERYTHING we can to land our next job. This strategy of applying for as many jobs as possible and hoping for the best actually doesn't help anyone get a job faster. In other words, choosing quantity over quality. This is the wrong mindset to have, and it does more harm than good.

The job search process is about working smarter, not harder.

Think about a normal work day. It's pretty balanced, right? You get up, go to work, come home, and still have hours left in the day to do whatever you want. Your job isn't the only thing you have going on in your life. That's why it's called work-life balance. To sum it up...

Your job isn't your whole life. So, your job search shouldn't be either.

Here are some ways you can take time for yourself as you look for a new job (because you deserve it!):

1. Exercise

via GIPHY

When you're unemployed, here at Work It DAILY we like to say this is an opportunity for you to get in the best shape of your life.

Taking care of yourself is important and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. It's a great way to relieve stress and it may even help you sleep better.

Take advantage of the free time you have after applying for jobs and get moving! Chances are, you'll walk into your next interview with more confidence and an extra spring in your step.

2. Read

via GIPHY

Nothing helps us detach from our busy lives like reading a good book.

Quiet those racing thoughts by readingâany genre will do! Reading may help you learn something new, gain new perspectives, and help with empathy (all things that will benefit you at your next job).

Knowledge is power!

3. Network

via GIPHY

Although you may dread networking, think of it as a necessary evil. Sure, it sucks having to step outside your comfort zone and you'd rather be doing other things. But nothing can produce positive career results quite like networking. There's no substitute for it.

If you're between jobs, you should devote some of your time to networking. You'll meet new people in your industry and connect with those who have similar interests and career goals. If it doesn't help you get your next job, it may help you get a job down the line.

4. Visit Family & Friends

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Sometimes all we need when we're feeling down is a visit with our family and friends. They've supported you through tougher times, and they'll support you through this transition too.

When you're starting to doubt yourself, they will remind you of your strengths and accomplishments. They'll give you that confidence boost you need. At the very least, you'll have quality time with the people you loveâtime you don't always have when you're working every day.

5. Learn A New Skill

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One of the best ways you can spend your time during the job search process is by learning a new skill.

Whether it's getting certified or taking a class, this skill should be applicable to your new job. You can add it to your resume, and it shows employers you've been doing something productive for your career, even when you weren't employed.

If you try these five things (or just one!), you'll transition to your next job with easeâand it won't feel like you're just waiting out the clock. Be proactive and take ownership of your career like never before! You may be looking for a job, but don't let that stop you from living your best life.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Things You Should Do While Looking …

How To Tell If You Are Going To Get Laid Off

If you've ever been employed at a typical company in corporate America, you know that layoffs are a common phenomenon. How does a company decide who stays and who goes? How do you know if you're going to get laid off or not? These are important questions you should be asking as an employee, and I can answer them.

It's All About ROI

@j.t.odonnell How To Tell If You Are Going To Get Laid Off... #jobtok #careertok #job #jobs #career #learntok #edutok #jobtips â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

When a company is restructuring, they're given an amount of money to cut. And one of the easiest and fastest ways to do that is to decrease the number of employees at the company.

The company figures out the value of each employee, the return on investment (ROI), and decides to lay off the employees who don't provide the most value, who don't give the company a desirable ROI.

For example, if a company pays you $10 an hour, it actually costs them $13 to $14 an hour to employ you because there are taxes and other things they have to pay on top of your salary. Then, they ask, "Who is saving or making us more than enough money to justify their cost?"

Now, in a situation where there are multiple employees creating the same value, they ask, "Who is the easiest to get along with?" Personality starts to play a role in the decision, but also aptitude. "Who's going to be able to adapt when we have less staff and we have to do more with less?"

ROI, personality, and aptitude are considered when a company is deciding who to lay off.

How To Avoid Getting Laid Off

Woman on laptop at work avoids getting laid off

If you want to avoid being cut, you first have to get clear on your value. Can you articulate how you are saving and making your employer enough money to justify the cost of employing you?

Sit down and have a conversation with your boss about it. See what you can do to make sure that you're creating that value and if you can create additional value on the job.

Sometimes people will come to me and say, "I've had perfect performance reviews year after year and got laid off." Yes, because it's not about your past performance. It's about the value you're creating and where they can make cuts. It always comes down to your current value as an employee. If you want to avoid getting laid off, remember this simple fact.

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Join our community to learn how to change your mindset and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

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How To Tell If You Are Going …

Do you know how to never fear getting laid off? Do you know how to make sure that you never have to worry about getting laid off?

It's actually quite simple...

Twenty years ago, I left the corporate staffing and recruiting world, hopped to the other side, and became an advocate for you, the worker. And that's because I saw an alarming number of people who didn't understand that every job is temporary.

Change Your Mindset

@j.t.odonnell @j.t.odonnell HOW TO NOT FEAR GETTING LAID OFF #edutok #learntok #jobtok #careertok #truth #career #jobs â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Those full-time jobs with benefits, they're an illusion. It can change at any time. Ask all the people from the Great Recession of 2008, or better yet, the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs in the last six months. And they'll tell you it's all an illusion.

So what do you do? Because you want to feel safe, right? You want to feel secure. How do you get that security?

Well, it comes down to changing your mindset.

You need to stop thinking like an employee. Instead, start thinking like a business-of-one. Your job as a business-of-one is to sell and market your services to employers. For a business to stay in business (for you to stay employed or employable), it has to stay relevant in the marketplace. When you are confident in your skills and relevance as a professional, you don't fear getting laid off. You know that every job is temporary, and if you get laid off, you can and will find another job.

This is just one of the seven mindsets that you now need in order to take control of your career and win as a Workplace Renegade. And when you truly feel in control of your career, you will never fear getting laid off again.

Need more help with your career?

Join our community to learn how to change your mindset and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship