The past few weeks have been difficult for a lot of people. There are people who are sick from the coronavirus and missing their family members. Others have been working from home, or worse, been laid off. And we’re all facing a looming recession.
There was so much “white noise” on social media last week you may have missed my previous posts, including three different ways to help you gain some control over your career in these trying times. In case you missed it, here’s a compilation of those three things you may find useful now or in an upcoming recession.
How to gain control over your career amidst layoffs and a recession
Maybe you’ve been fortunate enough to continue working from home during this coronavirus quarantine. But perhaps you haven’t been so lucky.
Some folks have been told not to report to work. And since their job doesn’t lend well to remote work, they’re having to use precious vacation or sick days. Or worse, they’re being laid off.
If this is you, or could possibly be you in the near future, you probably feel like you have no control over your current career or job situation.
But, there are some things you can do to help you feel a little more in control, and can help you be better prepared in the event of a job loss.
1. Stay in control by updating your resume the right way
If it’s been a while since you last updated your resume, now is a good time to do so. It’s definitely more productive than spending your time watching Netflix while quarantined!
I’m sure there are several things you need to add to your resume since you last updated it. Which means you need to make room for those new things.
So how do you know what to get rid of to make way for the new info? I have several free videos, including one entitled:
What NOT to Share On Your Resume: 13 Things You Should Delete Immediately
You may not realize it, but there are probably some things on your resume that are hurting your chances of landing a job interview. They need to go! Find out what they are before you send your next résumé out by watching the video.
Once you’ve updated your resume, you have a chance of getting a free resume critique from paNASH. Details are available in the video.
2. Be prepared to become a freelancer during a recession
Even if you’re still able to work during the coronavirus quarantine, whether from your office or from home, let me ask you something:
Are you prepared to be a freelancer if forced to?
Think about it. If you lost your job tomorrow and couldn’t find another one right away, would you be able to pick up and start making some extra money?
Do you already have some other streams of revenue in place, like freelance work or a side hustle?
I’ve previously written about the importance of having multiple streams of income. You can’t rely on only one stream because it could evaporate tomorrow.
I’m not saying this to cause you to panic. Instead I say it to help you feel more productive and a little more in control of your current situation.
How to create multiple streams of income
Here’s what you have some control over. Sit down and make a list of skills you have that others would pay you to perform because they lack those skills. Also add to your list anything you own that others might want to rent on a short-term basis.
Decide which items on your list will take the least amount of time to start earning the most money.
Then, get the word out. Use your current social media profiles to do this. And join platforms you’re not already using. Start with the ones that make the most sense for your product or service.
You may be surprised what kind of response you get.
Forced to be a freelancer
Recently, my hairstylist’s husband was in between digital marketing jobs. Although he received several interviews and offers, the offers weren’t financially feasible based on his experience and the potentially long commutes.
While holding out for something more financially feasible, he took some home improvement jobs as a side hustle since he’s good at this sort of thing.
When one side hustle opportunity was completed, another one came along. Then it got to the point where he had so many side jobs to choose from it made more financial sense to make this his full-time gig!
He’s now making more money doing home improvement than he would’ve if he’d stayed in digital marketing.
Need help becoming a freelancer?
If you need help with the steps of starting a side hustle or work opportunity for yourself, let me know. I’ve successfully transitioned to working for myself and have helped several clients do the same.
3. Getting laid off? The #1 thing to ask for when you leave
Getting laid off is difficult and scary. It’s happening to so many people right now due to a recession caused by the coronavirus. It can make you feel like your career and your life is out of control.
On some occasions you can convince your boss or company that you’re worth keeping around. Such as when you’re able to show your past contributions to the company and the savings of letting you work remotely, using hard data. Hard data gets people’s attention.
But if your data doesn’t outweigh the data that supports letting you go, there’s still something you can negotiate.
Outplacement counseling
You can always ask your company to provide or include outplacement counseling in your severance package.
Outplacement counseling is simply another term for career coaching or job search assistance. It’s set up to help you find your next job more quickly, and to make a smoother transition to it.
Many companies already offer it in their severance packages. I know this because I’m often one of the people they pay to provide such a service for their employees.
Take advantage of outplacement
If your company already offers outplacement counseling, take advantage of it! I’m always surprised at how some people just toss this benefit aside. Their company has already paid for the service, yet some employees think they don’t need it.
Even if you don’t think you need outplacement counseling, use it! If you already have another job lined up, use it to help you prepare for your first year in your new job.
Career coaching isn’t just for helping you find a job. It’s also for helping you succeed in your next job and building your career. And everything discussed in your coaching sessions remains confidential. It will never be shared with your past employer.
Ask for outplacement
If you’re getting laid off due to the coronavirus, and your company doesn’t offer outplacement counseling, ask for it! What do you have to lose at this point?
If your company needs convincing, help them understand how it not only benefits you, but also their business. It protects the company’s brand and reputation. It mitigates the risk of litigation. And, it provides them the opportunity to do the right thing for their employees.
If your company agrees to pay for the service but doesn’t have anyone to provide it, tell them you know someone! Feel free to have them email me, Lori Bumgarner, at lorib@yourpassioninlife.com. I’ve provided outplacement counseling to hundreds of companies’ employees over several years, especially during times of recession.
Additional help when getting laid off
If your company says no to offering outplacement counseling, there are still some free and affordable resources here at paNASH, starting with paNASH’s on-demand programs and free career success videos. Click here to receive free access to the following videos:
Control what you can during a recession
Knowing what you can’t and can control means the difference between feeling panicked and empowered. Hopefully the tips and resources provided here will make you feel more empowered. I look forward to helping you navigate these uncertain times in your career!
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