Setting Goals After Losing A Job

A friend of mine was recently laid off, and he reached out to ask for some advice on how to approach his job hunt. One thing I told him was that this is actually the perfect moment to pause and reassess. A layoff is painful, but it also forces you to confront an important question. What do you really want to do next? Not what is available today. Not what a recruiter happens to send you. What you actually want to do. The type of company you want to be part of. The kind of work that energises you. The teams you enjoy working with. The parts of your previous roles you loved, and the parts you never want to repeat again. Once you have that clarity, the next steps become an exercise in intentional searching instead of just taking the first job that comes along. One thing I have noticed is that many people approach their job hunt in a very passive way. They wait for opportunities that appear on job portals or from recruiters, and they choose from whatever happens to show up in front of them, instead of what they actually want. There is a better and far more intentional way to approach your career. Instead of browsing endlessly on job sites, start with clarity. Here is the approach I would challenge you to try. 1 / 🎯 List five companies you genuinely want to work for Not fantasy dream companies, but realistic ones that excite you. Companies that would hire someone with your skills today. Companies you would be proud to join. 2 / 🧩 Identify the roles that suit you best Look at your skill set, strengths, and experience, and write down the roles in each of these companies that you would be qualified for. Focus on roles you can realistically get now, not ten years from now. 3 / 🤖 Use AI to expand your list of roles Use ChatGPT or any AI tool to help uncover roles in these companies that you may not know exist. Sometimes the best fitting roles are the ones you never thought to search for. 4 / 🔍 Search LinkedIn to check availability Look for these roles on LinkedIn. If they are not open, look for people who currently hold these positions or for hiring managers who oversee these teams. These contacts can give you clarity on timing and requirements. 5 / ☕ Reach out and make your own luck Send a message, ask for a coffee, or ask if their team might be hiring soon. Many opportunities never make it to the job boards, and many people are willing people are to share information or offer guidance. Far too many people jump straight into panic mode and take the first role that appears in front of them. But your next job shapes the next few years of your life. It deserves more thought than that. If you are in a similar situation or considering a change, give yourself the space to be deliberate. Think about the companies that excite you. Think about the roles that fit your strengths. Take ownership of the process and reach out to people. Make your own luck. Build a career you actually want, rather than one that happens by accident.

If I were laid off today, which has happened to many and can happen to any of us, here’s what I would do: 1. Save anything that's important on my office laptop - In the few remaining hours I have, save testimonials and kudos from bosses, colleagues, clients, partners and/or vendors - Redact and save deliverables I'd want to include in my personal portfolio 2. Prioritise my finances - Negotiate my severance package, especially if I'm a top performer - Cancel unnecessary subscriptions (the duplicated AI tools would have to go) - Relook at my lifestyle and opt for cheaper alternatives (mat pilates instead of reformer, cooking at home instead of eating out) - Scale up my side hustle and maybe start 1-2 new ones - I might also take on a freelance, fractional or contract role (eg. maternity cover) since a search for a good job can take some time 3. Get myself job-ready - Strengthen my resume, LinkedIn profile, digital portfolio, and application materials so that if anyone needs them, they are ready to go - Tell my network that I'm looking and be specific about the kinds of jobs and companies I'm targeting - Work on my digital presence and show how I can contribute - Go for networking events (both online and in person) to meet new people 4. Enhance my skills - I’d focus on skills and areas of expertise that are in demand, that I can pick up fairly quickly AND which I also have an interest in (a big mistake is chasing something that might sound in demand, but that you have no real aptitude or interest for) - Instead of collecting courses or certificates, I'd build and show the actual products I've made - so I don't fall into a "tutorial hole” 5. Apply for jobs strategically and thoughtfully - Prioritise referrals for open roles, and for those referrals, I'd do something to stand out (eg. pitch deck, short video, memo) - Apply for roles where I'm a 80-90% fit, to maximise my chances - Use my network to get introductions to roles I'm genuinely interested in I would also protect myself while doing all of the above, because the search can take time. For instance, spend 80-9% of my energy on roles I'm a strong fit for, so I don't rack up too many rejections. Many people often underestimate rejections, which can be discouraging and kill momentum, and that's the last thing I'd want. I’d also be deliberate about which social media platforms I spend time on, because the wrong one can do more harm than good to your mental health. That said, all of the above can be done even when we are thriving in your corporate job. I’d say they are much easier to do: - Saving testimonials and references from bosses, colleagues, partners and customers - Reviewing your finances regularly - Starting side hustles - Keeping your resume, LinkedIn profile, and digital portfolio strong - Staying connected and reconnecting with your network - Continuously building your skills - Applying for roles that genuinely interest you You don't have to wait for a layoff to start.

“We do not rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.” ~ James Clear I have been thinking a lot about this over the past week. Especially with everything happening right now in the Oracle world. If you were recently impacted by a RIF, and someone asked you your current goal, most people might say something like… “find a new job.” That makes sense. But it is also where people get stuck. 👇🏽 Because “find a job” is not a strategy. It is not something you can execute on every day. It is just a destination. The real work starts when you slow that down and ask a better question: "What does the right next step actually look like for me?" Not just any job. But where do you do your best work? What kind of problems do you want to solve? Where have you felt the most energized, the most challenged, the most aligned? What kind of company has the culture where you will thrive the best? This is a rare moment where you get a clean slate. And many people rush right past it. Once you get clear on the outcome you want, then you build a system. Not motivation. Not hope. A system. And a system that is more than just "Apply to every job that fits your title and pay criteria" Maybe that looks like: Researching 3 companies a week Reaching out to 10 new people Having 3 real conversations with people you have never met Not because it guarantees a job tomorrow, but because it creates momentum you can actually measure and refine. And this is not just about your career. This is your opportunity to rebuild your life in a way that actually supports you. The 📸 I am sharing is a simple example of that. Every Sunday, I prepare my lunches for the week. Not because I love meal prep. But because I know my how my days go. I currently operate in back to back meetings with constant context switching. I lead a team, manage a complex tech stack and develop strategy to support the business. If I leave my health and wellness up to what I feel like in the moment, it will not happen. So I built a system. My daily healthy lunch decision is already made. The work is already done. I just follow through - grab and go. That is the difference. Goals are intentions. Systems are how you actually get there. If you are in a transition right now, do not just focus on the outcome. Take the time to define it clearly. Then build something small, repeatable, and consistent that moves you toward it every single day. And if you were part of the recent Oracle RIF, you are not navigating this alone. I have been supporting a Slack community where people are sharing roles, making introductions, and helping each other stay grounded in this process. One of the resources in the group is a recording of a LinkedIn optimization and networking workshop I recently led. If that would be helpful, send me a message and I will share the link. One step at a time...rebuild momentum. Create a system that allows you to build confidence now too. #oracleRIF

A couple of weeks ago I received a distressing call from an old colleague whose well-funded and well backed employer shutdown overnight. As she shared the news of over 350 stranded employees, it dawned on me that this is the same story across so many organisations & startups. God forbid, that this happens with anyone , here are some insights on what to do in the first few days after suddenly losing your job. Here are 9 essential points to consider: 🔥 TAKE A MOMENT TO ABSORB THE NEWS: It's natural to feel shaken and upset. Allow yourself time to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions before taking action. 🔥 ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL STANDING: Sit down with your spouse/partner and evaluate your financial situation. Take stock of loans, EMIs, and your inflow of funds. Determine how much liquid savings you have and calculate your runway—knowing how long you can manage without income can alleviate some pressure. 🔥 COMPILE A LIST OF CONTACTS: Create an Excel sheet with the names and details of colleagues, bosses, and professional acquaintances who can provide referrals or job leads. Treat it as you would a sales prospect list—networking is crucial during this period. 🔥 AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS: While the urgency to find a new job may be overwhelming, it's essential not to jump at the first opportunity that comes your way. Exercise patience and wait for the right opportunity that aligns with your goals and aspirations. 🔥 EVALUATE BUSINESS IDEAS: Use this transitional period to work on that business idea you've always wanted to pursue. Evaluate its feasibility and potential, and consider whether entrepreneurship is a path you'd like to explore further. 🔥 FREELANCING OR CONSULTING: While searching for a job, consider freelancing or offering consulting services to generate income in the meantime. Leverage your skills and expertise to provide value to clients and keep the cash flow steady. 🔥 EXPLORE UPSKILLING & ENHANCING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Take advantage of the downtime to invest in self-improvement. Identify areas for professional development, enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or acquire certifications to bolster your skill set. 🔥 MAINTAIN A ROUTINE: Establish a daily routine that includes job searching, networking, skill-building, and self-care activities. Structure and consistency can help maintain focus and motivation during this challenging period. 🔥 SEEK GUIDANCE: Don't hesitate to seek professional career counseling or guidance from experts in your field. They can offer insights, strategies, and support to navigate the job market effectively. Remember, losing a job can be disheartening, but with the right mindset, resilience, and proactive approach, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Stay positive, keep moving forward, and trust that new doors will open along the way. #SamparkSeSampark #JobLoss #Career #Resilience #startups #business

The Job Market right now is brutal... Last month I wrote a post that got a lot of attention on what I would do I lost or left my job today. Hundreds of you all shared your reflections, advice, frustrations, and coping strategies for navigating career transitions in the comments. So here’s Part Two... a crowd-sourced sequel, built from your insights and experiences. If you missed the first post, it’s linked in the comments. If I lost (or left) my job tomorrow… and had to rebuild again… here are 7 more things I’d do (this time, sourced from you): 1. Rest. Seriously. As so many people reminded me, you can’t job-search on an empty tank. Sleep. Move your body. Get outside. Take a walk without headphones. It’s not wasted time... it’s recovery. 2. Process the Grief. Job loss isn’t just logistical, it’s emotional. It can mess with your sense of worth and routine. Therapy, journaling, or simply talking with friends helps keep that perspective: the layoff isn’t personal, even if it feels that way. 3. Volunteer or Give Back. A number of you said this was the game-changer. It keeps your skills fresh, expands your network, and reminds you you’re still useful. Teaching, mentoring, community clean-ups, pro bono consulting -- all count. 4. Reflect Before You React. Don’t rush into 100 applications. Take a beat to ask: what actually fits my life now? What kind of people, pace, or purpose am I looking for? As one commenter said: read the market before reacting to it. 5. Rehearse Your Story. Practice talking about your transition with clarity and confidence. People want to help, but you have to help them help you. Rehearse the story you’ll tell ... one that’s forward-looking, honest, and hopeful. 6. Experiment and Build. Start that small consulting project, side hustle, or creative outlet. It doesn’t have to become your next full-time thing, but it might. Treat it as a low-stakes lab for learning, momentum, and confidence. 7. Find (and Be) a Support System. Friends. Family. Former coworkers. Coaches. Fellow job seekers. The comment section themselves became a kind of group therapy thread... proof that community matters more than ever. None of this fixes the broken systems -- but it does make the process less lonely. If you’re currently in transition, what’s been helping you? What would you add? Sharing is CARING.

If you’ve just been laid off, take a breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not starting from zero. What matters most now is what you do next -- and how you do it. This past week, companies including Amazon, Target, and UPS announced or enacted layoffs affecting tens of thousands of employees. For even the most experienced professionals, an unexpected job loss like this can make it feel as though the ground has shifted beneath you. The first few days are often about processing. That’s normal. But when you’re ready, it helps to have a plan to regain focus and momentum. Some things to consider: ✅ Get clear on your direction. Identify the roles, industries, and companies that align best with your strengths and goals. Focus beats frenzy. ✅ Update your career tools. A refreshed resume and LinkedIn profile are your foundation. Ensure they reflect your most relevant achievements. ✅ Reach out. Networking remains an essential job search strategy. Reconnect with people you trust. Ask for insights, info, or leads; not just openings. ✅ Create structure. A consistent daily routine that includes research, outreach, and skill-building helps maintain motivation and keep progress visible. ✅ Seek support. You don’t have to do this alone. Friends, colleagues, and career professionals can help you rebuild faster than you think. Let’s make this post useful! If you happen to know of free or low-cost job search resources, please share them in the comments. Or, if you know someone who has been laid off, share this post with them. No one should have to navigate a layoff alone. #layoffs #laidoff

If I got laid off today here's what I'd do: First, I'd breathe. Just breathe. For 24 hours, I'd let myself feel it all. The shock, the anger, the fear. Then I'd get to work: 1. Refresh my resume. Achievements over responsibilities. Stats. Results over tasks. 2. Same with my LinkedIn profile. Update, refresh. Highlight accomplishments and measurable impacts. 3. Reach out to people in my network. Not with "I need a job" messages, but with genuine reconnections. On LinkedIn and any other communities. 4. Build in public. Share my journey, what I'm learning, the wins and the struggles. 5. Avoid wasting time on job boards. I'd find decision-makers and build relationships instead. 6. Protect my mental health. Fiercely. Morning routines. Exercise. Time blocks for applications and networking, with clear boundaries. And, most importantly: I’d put a post-it note somewhere visible to remind myself MY WORTH ISN’T TIED TO MY EMPLOYMENT STATUS. I know this path intimately. Both from personal experience and from guiding hundreds through it. The toughest part of being laid off isn't the job loss. It's the identity crisis that follows. But sometimes your greatest career breakthrough is on the other side of what feels like failure. It was for me. What would you add to this list? What helped you bounce back from a career setback?

Lost Your Job? Think of It as a New Beginning.?? Seeing posts about layoffs from big companies like Amazon can feel scary. For many people, it’s not just news—it’s a big shock and a hard time. If you or someone you know has lost a job, remember this: ➔➔It’s okay to feel sad or afraid. ➔➔This is not your failure. It’s just a pause, a chance to start again. And maybe this is the right time to learn new things and move toward the future of work, especially with AI and technology growing fast. Here are 20 simple steps, divided into three stages, to help you recover and move ahead with confidence: ≫ I. Process & Heal (First Week) 1. Take 1–2 days to relax and calm down. Don’t rush. 2. Make a simple daily plan—include time for job search, learning, and some exercise. 3. Talk to friends or share your story online. Being honest helps you connect with others. 4. Rest properly. A fresh mind gives better ideas and confidence. ≫ II. Prepare & Rebuild (Next Few Weeks) 5. Update your LinkedIn and resume. Add numbers to show your achievements. 6. Decide what kind of job you really want next. 7. Talk to mentors or old colleagues. Networking is better than just sending random job applications. 8. Use November and December to get ready. Companies start hiring more in January (Q1). 9. Add the right keywords on LinkedIn so recruiters can find you easily. 10. Focus on companies that are still hiring or growing even now. ≫ III. Upskill & Pivot (Build Your Future) 11. Learn new skills—especially in AI, automation, and data. These are in high demand. 12. Share your learning journey on LinkedIn or social media. Show you are growing. 13. Read, comment, and post online about your field. It helps people notice your expertise. 14. Look for new roles or industries where your skills can still fit. 15. Improve soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 16. Try freelance or part-time projects to stay active and earn while you search. 17. Keep learning every week—stay curious! 18. Check your progress every week. Even small wins count. 19. Don’t lose hope—every step is taking you forward. 20. Remember: This is not just about getting another job—it’s about creating your next chapter. A layoff can be a blessing in disguise. Let’s use this moment to grow, learn, and build something even better. #Amazon #Layoffs #bounceback

Unemployed doesn’t mean UNvaluable. It means UNleveraged.   Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen an overwhelming number of posts from people searching for new roles because of yet another wave of layoffs...many of them abrupt and, frankly, heartless. Some are on the edge of losing their homes. Some are supporting families with no financial cushion. The level of stress and fear people are carrying right now is devastating.   For those of you in that position – I empathize with you and feel your pain. The impact of those emotions undoubtedly has a profound effect on your mental health.   So, I offer you a few ways to protect your mental health and perhaps get you out of your emotional slump.   Here are 3 less common (but powerful) ways to protect your mental health and rebuild momentum when you’re job searching:   👊🏼 Treat yourself like a client. Write a 30-60-90 day plan. Run a SWOT analysis on yourself. Build a personal dashboard. Reclaim control by thinking like a strategist, not a struggler. Remember who you are!   👊🏼 Teach something you know. Post on LinkedIn. Host a mini session. Share a toolkit. Teaching reminds you: “I still have value.” Because you do...and from my own personal experience, it reminds me of how valuable my experience and skills are!   👊🏼 Build your ‘Post-Hire’ stack. Create onboarding tools, templates, or playbooks you’ll use after you land the role. You’re not just job-seeking—you’re preparing to lead again. You may join a new industry or company - start learning for the job you want - now!   This is more than self-care. It’s career architecture…and it’s how high performers bounce back stronger.   What strategy helped you stay grounded between jobs?     Create a #jobsearchstrategy that leads to #careergrowth. And remember that you are #unemployedNOTunskilled and you are taking time away from your #jobsearch while you are #opentowork to build your #personalbrand and prepare for the #futureofwork! Also, you are protecting your #mentalhealth while you cultivate your #growthmindset.

The 1st week after a layoff will either set you up or slow you down. Here's what I recommend for folks who've been impacted. Instead of blasting out applications, updating a resume, or posting a story on LinkedIn, start here: Step 1: Process and plan Don't take action out of panic or frustration. Give yourself a moment to acknowledge the impact, gather yourself, and then make a clear-headed plan. The decisions you make in the first 24 to 48 hours often define the next 90 days. Step 2: Capture your data Before you lose access to company systems, record every quantifiable result you can remember. Revenue impacted, cost reductions, team size, project scope, and timelines. This data is the foundation of your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and every interview you will have going forward. Use internal contacts to help fill in gaps if you need to. Step 3: Save your contacts Build a list of colleagues who know your work and are willing to go to bat for you. Get personal emails and phone numbers. Record their titles. These are not just references. They are your warm network, your referral pipeline, and your fastest path back to a good role. Step 4: File for unemployment Do it on your last day of full-time employment, not after severance ends. File through your state's portal. Bring 18 months of work history. Set calendar reminders to check in. Do not leave money on the table. Step 5: Understand your benefits Read your severance package carefully. Understand what COBRA costs you. Know when your RSUs vest and whether a layoff changes that timeline. Check your PTO payout and any accelerator clauses. Most people skip this step. Do not. Step 6: Set your LinkedIn signal You do not need the green Open to Work banner to signal availability. Go into your profile settings and update your preferences quietly. Recruiters who have access to LinkedIn Recruiter will still see it. Your call whether to go public, but at least turn the signal on. Step 7: Ask for recommendations Contact your strongest supporters before they move on and get busy with new roles. Make it easy for them. Send a short message explaining your situation, then offer a template they can customize. A well-written LinkedIn recommendation from a senior colleague is worth more than most people realize. The job market rewards people who move with intention. Take your time, and be strategic. Share this with others who'd find it helpful!