Redefining yourself after being laid off

Your rant: How do you rebuild a career after a layoff?

911 repair: There is often nothing more daunting than having to redefine yourself after having been laid off. Summoning that kind of creative energy can be tough when your spirits have been deflated. As much as you’d love to have an autopilot for your career, there is no such thing, especially in a down economy. You need to consider dramatic action, taking a hard look at yourself and looking at all your options. We’ve included three Dos and one Don’t for redefining yourself after having been laid off. For more, check out Worthing and Buck’s book “Escape the Mid-Career Doldrums” (Wiley, 2008).

Don’t play it safe. Most of us spend our entire career playing it safe. Avoiding big risks, and often, big opportunities. A layoff can serve as a wake-up call and motivation for more dramatic action. To quote the old Monty Python slogan, “And now for something completely different.” We’re not saying that you should tilt at windmills; you’ve still got bills to pay. Rather, use the layoff as a springboard to explore a new job title, new industry or even to pursue your lifelong dream. Why not?

Do create a business card and Web site. Many people lose their identity when they lose their job. A business card can be a very cheap way to restore some of your self-respect. Describe yourself as a consultant. This will come in handy at networking events. For many people, a Web site seems like a bridge too far, but Web sites are increasingly cheap and easy to put up. Again, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to learn about your experience and expertise.

Do create an advisory board. Presidents have “kitchen cabinets,” groups of unofficial advisers who provide insight and perspective on their challenges. Why should it be any different for you? Meet with people who can provide support, insight and contacts. Enlist them to your cause. Keep them posted on your efforts through short e-mails.

Do create a plan. It was Dwight Eisenhower who said, “Plans are nothing, but planning is everything.” We agree. But the key to a plan when you are trying to land a job should be to not hold on to it too tightly. Your initial goal may be to land a job in the financial-services industry. Well, with that industry disgorging people at a fast clip right now, you probably want to revise that plan to identify organizations that will could use your financial insight that are outside of the financial industry.

Being laid off is tough. At the same time, don’t turn a blind eye to the possibilities that it can also present to you.

Bob Rosner is a bestselling author and awardwinning journalist. Sherrie Campbell is a work relations expert and award-winning comedian. They’d love to hear your workplace rants or raves. You can reach them at bob@workplace911.com and sherrie@workplace911.com.