Experiencing a layoff can be a turbulent journey, but through my own experience of being laid off eight times throughout my career, I've gained valuable insights that can help navigate this challenging time. Here are 6 tips to not only survive but thrive in the aftermath:
1. Allow Yourself to Grieve
It's essential to give yourself time to process your emotions. Whether the layoff blindsided you or you saw it coming, take the time to reflect on the experience. Recognize that it's okay to feel a range of emotions. Avoid internalising your feelings by channelling it into something healthy. Punch a pillow, have a little cry, whatever works for you. If you bottle it up it can lead to a downward spiral in mental health.
2. Assess Your Buckets
Stephen Bartlett's concept of "filling the five buckets" is a powerful framework for self-reflection. Consider what you've learned in your previous role, the knowledge you’ve gained, the skills you've acquired, the connections you've made and how others perceive you. Now consider how you can leverage your buckets for the next stage of your career. Yes, revising your CV and updating your portfolio are the obvious ones. Can you reach out and connect with people through your professional network? Like it or not, the games industry is still influenced by who knows who and not who knows what.
3. Plan Your Next Steps
Amidst the uncertainty of layoffs, now is the best time to connect with the wholesome and supportive community within the games industry. I’ve recently connected with people giving up their free time to talk with me and lend their valued advice. It’s a resource that other industries don’t have. Set aside time to brainstorm potential career paths and explore new opportunities. Getting a full-time role in another industry doesn't equate to failure; it could be a chance for reinvention. Consider engaging in game jams, working on prototypes, or acquiring new skills to stay competitive in the field. Learn to code, brush up on your photoshop skills or start writing creatively, it’s a chance for you to have a say in what your future looks like.
4. Implement Your Plan
Put your plans into action by updating your CV, expanding your professional network, and actively seeking out job opportunities that match your skills and experience. Consider networking opportunities such as game jams or starting your own little indie studio with friends in a similar boat to yours. Maybe short term gigs are the way to go if you need time to reassess your career but still need to pay rent.
5. Don’t Vent on Social Media
Resist the urge to badmouth your previous employer on social media. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive online presence. Marcus Aurelius said “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.” He didn’t play any video games but the point still stands. Employers considering applicants want positive people to join their team, not people who will sit and moan about how bad their past job was. This is why point 1 is important. Get all your processing done first off line and analogue.
6. Accept Help
These are unprecedented times. The games industry will not be the same after the layoffs die down. There is no shame in accepting help from friends or family. Pay it forward when you’re in a more favourable position. Think of it as a social loan you’ll pay back one day.
Bonus Tip: Find Your Purpose
If you've read through these tips and still find yourself feeling lost or disillusioned, consider diving into Simon Sinek's "Start with Why." This book explores the power of purpose and how identifying your ‘why’ can provide clarity and direction in both your personal and professional life. Maybe, reconnecting with your underlying motivations on why you joined the games industry can help in these difficult times. I make games for people to have emotional experiences with. Why do you?
In conclusion, experiencing a layoff can be a daunting experience, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By following these tips and staying resilient, you can emerge from this setback stronger and more determined than ever before.
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