You've just been laid off from your customer service management job. How do you stay motivated?

1 Acknowledge your feelings

The first step to staying motivated after a layoff is to acknowledge and process your feelings. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, such as shock, sadness, fear, or resentment. Don't bottle them up or ignore them. Instead, express them in healthy ways, such as talking to a trusted friend, writing in a journal, or seeking professional help if needed. Remember that your feelings are valid, but they don't define you or your potential.

2 Update your resume

The next step to staying motivated after a layoff is to update your resume and highlight your customer service management skills and achievements. Make sure your resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to showcase your impact and value as a customer service manager. For example, instead of saying "managed a team of customer service representatives", say "led a team of 10 customer service representatives to achieve a 95% customer satisfaction rate and reduce complaints by 50%".

3 Network with others

The third step to staying motivated after a layoff is to network with others who can help you find new opportunities or offer support and advice. Reach out to your former colleagues, managers, mentors, or clients and let them know that you're looking for a new customer service management position. Ask them for referrals, recommendations, or feedback. You can also join online communities, forums, or groups related to customer service management and share your insights, questions, or challenges. Networking can help you expand your contacts, learn new trends, and showcase your expertise.

4 Learn new skills

The fourth step to staying motivated after a layoff is to learn new skills that can enhance your customer service management abilities and make you more competitive in the job market. You can take online courses, webinars, or workshops on topics such as communication, leadership, conflict resolution, or data analysis. You can also get certified in customer service management or related fields, such as project management, quality assurance, or customer experience. Learning new skills can help you boost your confidence, update your knowledge, and demonstrate your commitment to your profession.

5 Set goals and track progress

The fifth step to staying motivated after a layoff is to set realistic and specific goals and track your progress. For example, you can set a goal to apply for 10 customer service management jobs per week, or to connect with 5 new contacts per month. You can also set a goal to complete a certain number of hours or modules of a course or certification. Then, track your progress and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Setting goals and tracking progress can help you stay focused, organized, and positive.

6 Take care of yourself

The sixth and final step to staying motivated after a layoff is to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Losing your job can take a toll on your health and well-being, so it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset. You can do this by eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and avoiding drugs or alcohol. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation, or gratitude to cope with stress and anxiety. Taking care of yourself can help you stay resilient, optimistic, and motivated.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?