Getting Up When You've Been Knocked Down

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We’ve all been there – especially more recently – the global pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. For job seekers who have been furloughed or laid off entirely, the situation has had an emotional, and in a lot of cases physical toll.

As Ben Affleck so aptly claimed during his 2013 Oscar acceptance speech for Argo: It doesn’t matter how you get knocked down in life because that’s going to happen. All that matters is you gotta get up.”

No truer words are applicable in this moment. The situation in which some of you find yourselves are recoverable. You WILL find a new and challenging role and you WILL move on. The key is to get up, dust yourself off, and get inspired to pursue a new challenge. A renewed sense of commitment and focus can be invigorating and provide you with the self-directed guidance to persevere.

Here are 3 tips to help you “get up.”

  1. Networking. I know what you’re thinking. “How can I network when nobody is leaving their house?” During this time networking has taken a new path. Yes. You can still network. Your networking efforts might be virtual Zoom coffee meetings, Google Hangouts, and virtual events. These things are happening. People have adapted and shifted to advance their goals, and career efforts. Companies are still hiring; they are evolving their practices – you need to do the same.

  2. Work on your video presence. It has been happening for a while. The pandemic didn’t all of a sudden introduce video interviews. The video interview has been here. It’s also not going anywhere. What can you do? Practice. Get in front of your camera on your computer in a well-lit room – some natural sunlight will help and practice. Have a friend of significant other work with you so that you get comfortable Use the technology so you aren’t stressed the day of. Also, get FULLY dressed – not just from the waist up.

  3. Be patient. I am the absolute LAST person to comment on patience. We live in a world of instant gratification; I get it. Where job search is related you must find some Zen. Hiring managers are doing other things; they are out of the office; they are beholden to other people; decisions are delayed – for myriad other reasons. Your job search is one that evolves. Keep yourself occupied with other things. Keep moving forward. Your job search is a marathon – not a sprint.

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The pandemic has given us all pause to think about our personal lives, our professional lives, and the future. New and exciting things are around the corner. Use this time to focus on a hobby, connect with friends and family (even via a Zoom call will lift your spirits), and schedule some self-care into your day. Taking action will give you a sense of purpose and control during uncertain times.

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