Losing your job can be a devastating experience. Unfortunately, the current global situation is leaving a lot of people unemployed or looking at an industry change. This experience makes a tough situation even more challenging.
If your employer offers you an outplacement package as a part of your severance, take it! Here are five tips for working with an outplacement service to process your job loss and look ahead to the future.
Keep an Open Mind
It’s natural to feel angry or resentful after a job loss – you’re only human, after all. However, it’s important to prevent that anger and resentment from impacting your opportunities to recover and move forward. If your former employer has offered you an outplacement service as a part of your severance, don’t look at it as a handout. This experience is an opportunity to recover and make progress away from this bad moment in your life.
Enter your outplacement term with an open mind. Some of the ideas you are presented with may seem abstract or pointless at first, especially if you haven’t been in the job market for a long time. Trust that the experts know what they’re talking about and care about helping you recover financially and emotionally. Take some time to learn more about this service and what it can do for you.
Dive Into Self-Reflection
Take this time to pause and reflect before moving onto the next thing. Consider if you were truly happy in your job or if there is something you would rather be doing. Many people discover that their job loss was a blessing in disguise. While it might take some time to process everything and get to that point, this could be the opportunity to make the changes you’ve dreamed about.
Think long and hard about what you want to do next, your short and long-term goals, and your passions. Consider how you can use this service to find a job that adds value to your life while you have a team of experts to help you accomplish that.
Own the Process
Advocate for yourself and own the outplacement process. Remember that the professionals who help you transition to a new job are guides; it’s up to you to do the work. Understand that an outplacement service doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have a new job by the end of your term. Rather, they provide the tools and coaching you need to get through the process.
Take ownership of the process and advocate for yourself. Do the suggested work, ask clarifying questions, and identify what you would like to accomplish. Prepare yourself for each session by outlining questions and summarizing what you’ve accomplished and the barriers you’re facing. Treat this process as you would treat a project – only the project is you.
Be Honest and Communicate
Being in your situation can feel intimidating, especially when talking to a new coach. Know that your new coach isn’t judging you and that it’s ok to be vulnerable during this big life change. It’s important to accept these feelings and move past them so that you can be honest and open with your coach.
Communicate with your coach and speak up if there’s something you don’t understand or if you’re struggling with a task or idea. Communicating openly and honestly is the only way you’ll get through the tough spots and make progress in your job search.
Consider Investing in Continued Support
Outplacement service packages vary depending on the service level that your former employer chooses. If your needs expand beyond the package that your former employer selected, consider investing in continued support. It’s worth the extra time and attention to help you find your next career path.
Getting the opportunity to work with an outplacement service is a bright spot during a dark time. Make the most of this opportunity and move forward positively.