It isn’t easy being Black and a tech professional. We often work twice as hard and overcome countless obstacles just to get our foot in the door. Also, when we finally do “make it, we’re sometimes met with layoffs and company closures. According to Crunchbase News, as of late August 2022, over 39,000 workers in the U.S. tech sector have been laid off in mass job cuts. But don’t worry my brothas and sistahss; we are resilient! So, if you’ve been laid off from your job, we got you some tips to help you bounce back into the job market.
Keep your head up! It may seem like the world is against you, but remember, you’ve got a vibrant Black tech community right here on obsidi.com, and there are plenty of other opportunities out there. Just be persistent and stay focused on your goals.
What Should You Do on the Day of the Layoff?
Not gonna lie, the day of the layoff can be a rough and challenging one for many. It’s important to process the loss. It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, frightened, or furious. We recommend that you take the first 24 hours following the announcement of your layoff to do nothing job-related to process your emotions of confusion, sadness, worry, or any other feeling you may be experiencing.
Now before we keep going, here are some things that you defs shouldn’t do after you’ve been laid off:
Don’t burn bridges
You never know when you might need to talk to your former employer again. Maybe you left on bad terms, or maybe you just had a difference of opinion. Either way, it’s always best to keep the lines of communication open. You never know when you might need a reference or when you might need a job.
Don’t give up
It’s important to stay positive and to keep your head up. We know it’s easy to get down on yourself when things don’t go your way. It’s essential to stay optimistic and to keep your head up. Of course, that’s easier said than done. But there are a few things you can do to shift your mindset and stay positive, even when the going gets tough. First, try to find the silver lining in every situation. And remind yourself that everyone goes through tough times. You got this!
Don’t disconnect from your support system
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose touch with the people who matter most. Family and friends can be great sources of support, so staying connected is important. Whether you’re dealing with a difficult situation or just need someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to reach out. They got your back!
Tips for Bouncing Back After a Layoff:
1. Keep a positive attitude
Okay, okay, so you lost your job. It happens to the best of us. The most important thing to remember is to keep a positive attitude–things will eventually improve. I know it’s tough, but try to stay optimistic and look on the bright side. This is a temporary setback, and you will eventually find another job. Shake it off and keep moving forward. You got this, fam!
2. Update your resume
Take this time to update your resume and make sure it’s error-free and looks professional. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your resume. But if you’re looking for a job, it’s one of your most essential tools. Your resume is your chance to make a good first impression on potential employers. Taking the time to update your resume now will pay off in the long run when you’re ready to start applying for jobs. The GOOD NEWS is that we offer free weekly resume reviews through our stellar recruitment team. So, dust off that old resume with us on obsidi.com.
3. Start networking
Get connected with other Black professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant online communities. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, and you never know when you might meet your next potential employer. Our tea spot on Obsidi is a damn good place to start!
4. Brush up on your skills
You can never have too much knowledge. That’s why brushing up on your skills is always a good idea. Take some time to learn new programming languages, tools, and platforms. Or, if you’re not technical, consider taking some business classes to make yourself more marketable. Keeping your skills fresh will keep you ahead of the curve and make you more attractive to potential employers. And who knows? You might even enjoy learning something new. It’s never too late to learn.
5. Be resourceful!
If you’re looking for a mentorship program that can help you get on track to finding a career that matches your skill set, look no further than our Cultivate Mentorship program. With the help of a seasoned mentor, you can gain invaluable insights, advice, and guidance that will put you on the right track. So don’t hesitate to take advantage of these amazing tools – they could be just what you need to find your way to an exciting and fulfilling career!
6. Be proactive in your job search
Job hunting can be a full-time job in itself. Don’t wait for companies to come to you; go out and find them! obsidi.com is a good place to start. We’ve got a wide variety of job postings, networking opportunities and more posted daily. Start your job search now!
Don’t wait for companies to come to you; go out and find them! obsidi.com is a good place to start, stay active and engaged.
Community Comes Thru After a Layoff
Being a part of a community is extremely important, especially after a layoff. When you get laid off, the first thing you might want to do is hide under a rock. Don’t do it, chile, because that’s not going to help you land a new gig. In fact, one of the best things you can do is lean on your community. Here’s why:
Your community knows you’re looking for a job. People might not even realize you’re looking for work when you’re hidden away. But when you’re out and about, people will be more likely to think of you when a job comes up that’s a good fit.
Your community can help you network. When you’re out and about, you’ll meet new people and expand your professional network. And that’s essential when you’re job hunting. The more people you know, the more likely it is that someone will know of an open position that’s perfect for you.
Your community can provide moral support. Let’s face it: Job hunting can be tough. It’s nice to have friends and family in your corner cheering you on. They can also help to keep your spirits up when you’re feeling down about being unemployed.
So don’t forget: When you’re laid off, your community is one of your greatest assets. Lean on them, and they’ll help you through this tough time.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to bounce back into the job market? Or maybe you’re looking for a space to connect, network, and vibe with the Black Tech community?
If you said YASSSSS to any of these, then you’ve gotta get the tea on what’s up. This October 19-21, BTPN will be hosting the 2022 BFUTR Global Tech Summit in Toronto, Canada, at the Sheraton hotel. It’s all about the vibes, and we know our community is bringing some BIG ENERGY.
We’re going to have an inspiring lineup of speakers, including the host of the Daily Show, Trevor Noah, senior tech execs from big tech companies, and other Black tech professionals. Are you in or nah?
Grab your pass here on our summit page.
