Reinventing Yourself Professionally

Changes in your work environment can be devastating when they aren't your idea. In today's economic climate, so many businesses are downsizing or closing that professional upheaval is not always personal, but when you're the one who's losing your source of income it sure feels personal. Being laid off or forced to take retirement when you still feel you have a lot to contribute is demoralizing, but it's not the end of the world. Here are some tips to overcome the doldrums when your job has come to an end:

* Give yourself a few days to mourn the loss of your job. BUT, don't get mired in misery. It's counter-productive to getting your life back in order.

* Don't let your job loss define you. Let it be an opportunity to reinvent yourself as an entrepreneur, or an artist, or even a belly dancer. This is the time to let your imagination run wild! It doesn't so much matter what you do, as long as you do something. A little creative action is a whole lot better than staying home in your jammies, watching The Price is Right.

* Don't wait for someone else to decide to give you a job.Use the extra free time to create one for yourself. It will keep your mind occupied while you're waiting for the perfect "next job" to come along and you might accidentally fall into a successful new career as your own boss.

* Don't worry about what people will think if you choose a job that's not as prestigious as the one you used to have.  Maybe you were a high-powered executive, a stockbroker or a systems analyst, but something inside of you longed to be a landscaper or a manicurist. The next chapter of your life could be the most satisfying one yet if you get in touch with what works for you. Don't be afraid that people will compare your new enterprise to your previous career and wonder "what was he/she thinking???" In about 5 minutes they'll get over it and move on to criticizing someone else.

* If you've made a career change and it was a mistake, don't let your pride stand in the way of moving on to something that does work for you. Sure, it's hard to admit that the job or business you were so enthusiastic about hasn't worked out the way you planned. But in the interest of your sanity, don't drag it out. Cut your losses and move on to something better for you.

* And in the same vein, Don't condemn yourself if you try something new and it doesn't work out. I know it sounds trite, but the only true failure lies in not trying. You just never know if your next venture might be the one that clicks. Think Thomas Edison and the light bulb. Edison and his associates made over three thousand attempts before they made an efficient incandescent light bulb. Aren't you glad they didn't give up?

 Those are only a few things to keep in mind when your professional life is in upheaval. If you've found a creative way to reinvent your career, please feel free to share it here. Until next time, Be Fearless!

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