In the working world there seems to be an invisible guide that follows 1) attend college; 2) find an internship; 3) graduate; and 4) land a job. It all seems easy until the unexpected happens. For me, I am graduating with my masters in a week and as I write this and reflect on the past two months, I am still coming to terms with the current state of public health and society right now. With that said, two months ago I accepted a full-time job after graduation. I followed all the steps, turned in my notice for my assistantships and moved from the place I was living at only to learn a week later the job offer was rescinded due to the pandemic. Yes, I lost my job offer. Me, a 24 year-old straight A student, perfectionist and ambitious over-achiever. I was sad, embarrassed and to be honest it just sucked.
The rug was yanked right from under me. I did all the steps and calculated everything for my life after graduate school. So, of course, I was ecstatic to check off land a job from my list of “Things to Achieve Before Graduation.” Yet, circumstances out of our control can happen, it’s life after all. However, having a job rescinded is common. Especially when the economy is experiencing challenges. In this case, prioritizing safety, making a change in hiring and shifting training for new hires in the midst of a global pandemic and social distancing. My point is, losing an offer can happen to anyone, at any level, at any time. But that doesn’t mean the situation feels any less awful or disheartening.
As someone who experienced losing a job offer, I thought I’d share what I learned. I understand each individual approaches challenges differently so I’m not saying these are the only way to react or respond but these are a few steps you can take if you, or a friend, find yourself without a job you expected. If not, I hope this provides you with the future knowledge to navigate a similar situation, if it occurs.
Grieve.
Yes, you bet I cried my eyes out. I felt so much better afterwards. Give yourself grace in grieving the loss of this opportunity that was taken away. It’s a normal reaction. Losing something that would shape your future or an experience is a shock. You might be feeling sad, heartbroken or even angry. Process these emotions and acknowledge them for what they are.
Lean on Your Support.
I cannot stress this enough, lean on your closest friends and family for moral support and pep talks. If I learned anything from this experience, it’s that a good laugh and the right company helps in seeing the brighter things in life. You are so much bigger than this experience. And there is so much more to life than to focus on a missed opportunity. Realize this moment is not the end of the world. This leads to my next step.
Get Back on Your Feet.
Yes, you should cry or do whatever you need to grieve but don’t just mope. Remind yourself there are worse things than having a job rescinded. I am confident that you are a strong, smart and capable individual. Look back on your resume, update your LinkedIn profile, apply to jobs immediately and network! You will land your next big gig.
Don’t Attach Yourself to This Experience.
After learning my offer was rescinded I couldn't help but feel it was a reflection of myself. I felt like I was a failure and that I lost the only good opportunity I had. But I implore you, stop that voice right now. It doesn’t help you or anyone else. Having a job rescinded does not define you and you are so much more. After all, you wouldn’t tell a friend they lost a job because of their ability, right? Then why do the same to yourself.
Also, there’s so much more that goes into rescinding a job: downsizing, decrease in work or in my case, a global pandemic. Despite these reasons, do not attach this experience to your self-worth. Don’t focus on past events, instead, move forward in shaping your future. Honor your skills, your experiences and what you bring to any professional experience. You are the only you and any company would be grateful to hire you.
Turn to Your Hobbies.
What helps you refuel? Channel your energy to doing things that you love. I turned to photography and my blog as a way to rejuvenate. Doing so helped me feel good and brightened my mood. And, when I felt good it motivated me to keep making strides in applying to jobs and feeling empowered. So what helps you feel good? Focus on that.
Career Moves Don’t Have to Be Linear.
As a perfectionist, I took a hard hit when my job was rescinded. It was a setback in my perception of the steps to take after graduation. However, I’ve learned that the traditional way of finishing your education and landing a job right after doesn't have to be the "right" way. In addition, this experience also taught me how to bounce back when life doesn’t happen the way you planned. The key to setbacks? Resilience.
Have you had a job rescinded or been laid off? How did you cope? Share your story and tips.
Thank you for reading,
Style. Sass. Spirit.
Keetha, Lately
Kommentare