You’ve been laid off. How can you use this time to build a better future?

Being laid off forces a moment of self-reflection. While it's tempting to rush into a similar role, view this as a chance to be more strategic. What are the transferable skills I've built that could be applied to new problems? Am I passionate enough about my field to invest in upskilling, or is this a sign to explore something with greater alignment with my personal mission?

Being laid off can be a challenging experience, but it can also present opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some ways you can use this time to build a better future: Skill Development: Use this time to enhance your skills or learn new ones. Consider online courses, certifications, or workshops to stay competitive in the job market. Networking: Connect with professionals in your industry, attend virtual events, and build relationships that can lead to future opportunities. Personal Projects: Start a personal project or side hustle that aligns with your passions and skills. This can not only keep you engaged but may also lead to new career paths. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your career goals

Sustainability is where values and desire for work with impact intersect. This isn't just about a "green" job title, but finding where my existing skills can solve problems in this space. Maybe your project management expertise would be valuable for a clean energy startup, or your marketing background could help an impact-driven organization reach a wider audience. Start looking at ways to integrate your current skillset and apply that to social impact projects.

This is the moment to reframe your experience. You're not just highlighting past duties, but telling a story. How can you demonstrate that your commitment to sustainability isn't new, but a thread throughout your career? Even volunteer work or passion projects can showcase relevant skills and knowledge, making you an asset the right company will recognize.

Interviews are two-way streets. Yes, a candidate is selling their skills, but they should also assess if the company truly walks the walk on sustainability. Preparing questions that dig into this – how they measure impact, is it embedded in decision-making or just a PR department? – demonstrates engagement and helps candidates like you identify places that won't be a good fit.

Being laid off can shake confidence. Actively upskilling combats this. Even small learning commitments signal a commitment to professional growth, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Job hunting can be all-consuming. It's important to step back regularly. Prioritizing self-care, spending time in nature (a great reminder of why this work matters), and nurturing relationships prevents burnout and helps candidates show up as their best selves.

Take care of yourself: Allow yourself time to process and grieve the loss of your job. Focus on your mental and physical health. This may involve exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies Reflect and re-evaluate: Take time to assess your skills and interests. What did you enjoy about your old job? What would you like to do differently in your next role? Consider taking career assessments or personality quizzes to help with self-discovery. Explore potential career paths that align with your values and aspirations. Research different industries and roles, and talk to people in fields that interest you.

Lay-off will be trauma for anyone, it is a challenging time. In the VUCA scenario, today's organization top performer could be tomorrow's list of lay-offs. Steve Job is the perfect example of being removed from top position & bounce-back with more power, plan & vision. Consistently keep taking dose of Motivation with positive mindset. Here I will share one Bollywood movie dialogue - "Be a capable/competent person, then success will run after you."

The job market is unpredictable, sustainability or otherwise. Building a network of like-minded people creates alternative paths. A freelance project might turn into something more, or a connection could lead to an unexpected opportunity. Openness and resilience are key for turning this setback into an advantage.