Downsized. Terminated. Canned. Whatever you want to call it, in the Greater Toronto Area this happens to more than 1,000 new people every single week. 999+ people in the same boat as you, with more joining next week and the week after.
So why should you go it alone, when there are most likely many people who are more than willing to support you and champion your goals?
In a post about having a recruitment mindset, I suggested one way that executives in career transition can support each other. Even if you’re in the same field, you can collaborate rather than compete. Here’s how:
As you’re each networking to uncover recruitment opportunities, keep each other in mind. There are bound to be appointments that aren’t right for you, but are perfect for someone else in your group, and vice versa.
Instead of being a loner, seek out one of the many career networking groups available in locations throughout North America. They are designed to help you transition and provide the support you need in a group environment.
HAPPEN is one such group in the Greater Toronto Area. They are a professional career network that meets weekly in Mississauga. Many of my clients have benefitted immensely from the friendship, collaboration, idea generation, and expert speakers who give their time to share their knowledge in this group.
If there is no group in your area, take the initiative to start one of your own, whose sole goal is to act as a confidential and informational forum to provide guidance and support through career transition. This is not an onerous task, and can make you feel more wanted and inspired at a time when your morale can be tested.
Find a location where six or eight of you can meet comfortably, such as a coffee shop or library study room. Alternatively, many churches and other institutions always want to help those in need, and may be amenable to loaning you a room.
Will you choose to be a loner or a collaborator? In my experience as an executive career management professional, those who solicit help, guidance and support from others during a career transition are far more motivated and land on their feet quicker.
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