Showing Up Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Losing a job can feel like a crushing blow, leaving you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. It’s easy to fall into isolation, but in times like these, showing up and attending networking events—whether it's industry conferences, trade shows, or networking meetups—is more important than ever. Even when you don’t feel like it, stepping into these spaces can provide invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

It's natural to feel a lack of motivation after losing a job. You might experience feelings of self-doubt, frustration, or even embarrassment. It’s important to honor those emotions, but don’t let them dictate your next move. The power of networking isn’t just about landing a new job—it’s about making connections, staying informed about industry trends, and being visible. Often, opportunities arise when you least expect them.

Recently, I met up with two former colleagues who had recently lost their jobs. During our conversation, one of them shared that she was planning to attend an industry conference next month—for the first time, paying for it herself. The idea caught me off guard. Conferences and trade shows had always seemed like spaces for companies to explore business opportunities, and attending alone, without a company affiliation, felt… uncomfortable. Wouldn’t it seem desperate to show up at those booths without representing an employer?

But as we talked, I saw it in a new light. Attending on your own isn’t a sign of desperation, it’s a bold move. It’s a chance to stay informed, learn about new products and industry trends, and make meaningful connections. After all, who among us hasn’t faced job loss or searched for a new opportunity? People understand, and many even admire the courage it takes to show up.

Why Showing Up Matters

1. Staying Connected to Your Industry: Attending conferences and events ensures that you remain current with trends, innovations, and challenges in your industry. It helps prevent that feeling of being left behind and gives you talking points for future job interviews.
2. Opportunities Often Come Through People: Many job opportunities are not posted online but are shared through personal networks. Networking allows you to hear about those unadvertised openings and get referred to the right people.
3. Rebuild Confidence: While it may be difficult at first, consistently attending events can help rebuild your confidence. Engaging in conversations and realizing that you still have valuable insights to contribute can shift your mindset from one of loss to one of possibility.
4. Develop New Skills: Many conferences and trade shows include workshops or speaker sessions where you can gain new skills or knowledge, making you more marketable when you're ready to re-enter the workforce.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Networking Events

• Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Even if you're between jobs, having a concise and confident way to introduce yourself is key. Focus on your expertise and what you’re currently looking for.
• Leverage Your Existing Network: Before attending, reach out to contacts who may also be attending the same event. This helps ease the discomfort of attending alone and creates opportunities for introductions.
• Be Genuine, Not Desperate: While it's tempting to lead with your job search, focus on building relationships rather than immediately asking for favors. Show genuine interest in others' work, and the right opportunities will naturally come.
• Set Small Goals: If attending a large event feels overwhelming, set small, manageable goals—like having three meaningful conversations or attending one key seminar.

Stepping into a conference or networking event when you're not feeling at your best isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about showing up for yourself. Each handshake, each conversation, each moment of courage strengthens your network and keeps your momentum going. Keep moving forward—you never know where it will lead.

“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” — Woody Allen