30 days to the job you love - Day 0

With 200,000+ tech layoffs in 2023 and more being let go in early 2024, it is easy to get discouraged. Personally, I have many friends who were and are affected. For those whom I worked with, I am grateful that our paths crossed.

For 30 days, I’m committed to post a tip each day to encourage you and give you some suggestions on how to stay motivated during your job search.

Day 0

First, please know that it is not your fault. Business conditions changed and hence led to you being let go. Sometimes, it may be because of weak financial performance; sometimes, it may be because of the company’s infighting politics. Whatever the reason is; when the environment is no longer conducive to your productivity, it may be a blessing in disguise to be let go.

Losing a job is difficult to face. And it’s extra difficult for people who bring their heart to work and give the workplace their absolute best.  A lot of questions must be running through your head, such as ‘why me?’, and ‘what’s next?’.   But whatever the answers you may come up with in the moment may not be very helpful.  Therefore, on day 0, it’s best to leave all questions aside and ground yourself in the knowledge that this is just a temporary phase of your life. 

Behind every setback is a greater opportunity. Steve Jobs said: “getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”

These are a few famous people who were let go from their jobs but made a great comeback: Steve Jobs, Wall Disney, Madona, Oprah Winfrey, Thomas Edison, J. K. Rowling, Colonel Sanders, Jerry Seinfeld, Elvis Presley, Mark Cuban, … The list goes on.

On day 0, take a deep breath. Go for a walk and get ready for a comeback.

“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this.” – Henry Ford