Lose Your Job? Here’s When And Why You Should Announce It On LinkedIn
Getting laid off from a job you love can be an incredibly difficult and painful experience. It comes with a splintered bag of emotions: Not just about your personal financial situation, but also the emotional gut-punch of what your work meant to you.
We’re so invested in our jobs and careers because of the significant investment of time and energy that we put into them, and once it’s gone, we can never get it back.
It can feel like a personal betrayal, as if all the hard work and dedication you put into the job was for nothing.
It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that the job you loved and put so much of your life into is no longer part of it.
Losing your job can be traumatic not just because of the financial and professional implications, but also because of the relationships you have formed with your colleagues and coworkers.
The people you work with can become like a second family, and the thought of leaving them and the camaraderie you’ve built can be difficult. The loss of these relationships can be just as hard to cope with as the loss of the job itself. For some people, the thought of having to say goodbye to their work friends can be incredibly painful and can add to the stress and trauma of losing a job. It’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel this way and to allow yourself time to grieve the loss of these relationships and the life you had at your job.
It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, frustration, and even depression. Losing a job that you love can be a very traumatic event, and it’s important to give yourself time and space to process these emotions and seek the support you need to get through this difficult time.
The first thing you should do after being laid-off.
So you just got laid off…
Bummer.
First things first, take care of yourself. Take a couple deep breaths. Feel your feelings. Remind yourself that you are not your job. Process those emotions, even if the layoffs felt inevitable.
Give yourself time to process your emotions and do things that make you feel good. Then, take care of your finances. Check for unemployment benefits and budget accordingly.
Next?
Once you’ve calmly collected your thoughts, head to LinkedIn and start crafting an announcement…
Why you should announce being laid off on LinkedIn…
Sharing unfortunate career news can be a wild ride of emotions… Especially on LinkedIn, a platform where people tend to brag about or broadcast their career wins vs. setbacks.
Don’t let that hold you back. Writing out your emotions after getting laid off can be cathartic and help you process your feelings. It allows you to organize your thoughts and gain clarity on how you’re feeling, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can also help you to identify patterns in your thought process and overcome negative thoughts.
That’s why you should announce the news of your layoff to your network on LinkedIn.
It’s a chance to open yourself up to other people who have been there before. People will be there for you. If you’ve been supportive of others, they’ll be supportive of you. That’s how a great community of family, friends, colleagues, associates, and others works.
It also lets your network know you’re open for new opportunities, and who knows what doors it may open. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good comeback story?
Here are more reasons why you should make the announcement:
Networking
Sharing the news of your layoff on LinkedIn can help you connect with other professionals who may be able to offer support or job opportunities.
Visibility
Posting about your layoff on LinkedIn can increase your visibility among potential employers, recruiters, and other connections.
Demonstrating resilience
Sharing your layoff news on LinkedIn can demonstrate to others that you are resilient and able to handle difficult situations.
Maintaining professional relationships
Keeping your LinkedIn connections informed about your layoff can help you maintain professional relationships and stay in touch with important contacts.
Showcasing your skills
Posting about your layoff on LinkedIn can give you an opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments, which can help you stand out to potential employers.
Building a support system
Reaching out to your LinkedIn connections for support and advice during a difficult time can help you build a strong support system.
Being transparent
Being transparent and open about your layoff on LinkedIn can help you maintain your reputation and build trust with your professional network.
Finding new opportunities
Posting about your layoff on LinkedIn can open up new job opportunities, or even other opportunities that you may not have considered before.
When should I share the news about being laid off on LinkedIn?
The answer is, it’s totally up to you. You can do it right away and be the first to break the news or take some time to process and gather your thoughts before sharing. Sharing it as soon as it happens can help you connect with others who have gone through similar experiences and show that you’re ready for new opportunities.
But, if you need time to come to terms with it and prefer to keep it private, that’s cool too.
Just remember, it’s your call.
What should you say in your LinkedIn post after losing your job?
The sudden loss of a job that you had invested so much of yourself in can be a brutal emotional rollercoaster, leaving you feeling lost, confused, and uncertain about the future.
But keep those emotions in check when crafting your Linkedin post. When announcing a layoff on LinkedIn, it is important to be transparent, honest, and professional.
Here are two examples of what you might say in your post:
“I wanted to share some news with my LinkedIn network. Unfortunately, I have recently been laid off from my position at [Company Name]. While this was not the outcome I was expecting, I am grateful for the time I spent at the company and the opportunities and experiences I had while working there. I am now looking forward to exploring new opportunities and am open to connecting with anyone in my network who may have leads or advice. Thank you for your support.”
This one is a little more casual, but shows sincerity to your network:
“So, I got the boot. I’ve been laid off from my job and it’s hitting me harder than a truck. It’s been a tough blow, but I’m still standing. I poured my heart and soul into that job and it’s hard to say goodbye to something you love. But, I’m ready to take on the world and see what’s next. If anyone in my network has leads, advice or just want to commiserate over a drink – IRL or virtually – hit me up. Let’s turn lemons into lemonade together!”
This post is more raw and emotional, expressing the feelings of sadness and emotional attachment to the job. It also maintains a sense of positivity, and shows that the person is ready to move on, and is open to connect with others.
At the end of the day, being laid off is not something to be ashamed of. Even though it might feel like something more, it’s just a job. It is a common experience and often out of one’s control.
It can be an opportunity to reflect on career goals and find new opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to talk about it and seek support.
Remember, losing a job is not the end, it’s a new beginning.