Latest news with #careercoach
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Be Picky About Job Offers - Even In Economic Downtimes
Lots of applying with few nibbles can make us take a desperate grab at the first offer that comes ... More along. But that approach can lead to more headaches in the long run than it's worth. It's one thing to say 'be picky about job offers" in a strong economy, but it's a whole other matter to make that assertion when times are tough. And times sure aren't great now. According to LinkedIn's Workforce Confidence Index, workers' confidence about career prospects during Q2 of 2025 was the lowest its been in over five years. That's even lower than the early pandemic period that was filled with layoffs, uncertainty, and general doom and gloom. Given these findings, and the widespread economic uncertainty that's driving them, the smart thing to do if you're out of work is to take any job that comes along, right? Nope. Even in poor economic moments, a desperate grab at a role tends to result in a 'rinse and repeat' affair, in which you're searching again before you know it. I've seen this time and again for individuals before they start working with me as a career coach. They thought taking any full-time, W2 job was better than nothing, but then were summarily back out searching because the new company went through sudden layoffs, striking first at the lowest people on the totem pole; the org or manager had performance expectations so unrealistic that they were unmeetable; or it was such a miserable work environment that they simply couldn't stand to stay put. Worse yet, they now have a short stint on their record - it will typically show up in background checks, even if they try to hide it on their resume - that they'll need to explain away for years to come. Better to be picky about W2 job offers, albeit reasonably so. First, Be Honest About Your Level of Certainty About the Job Offer It's easy to get overly excited about a job offer, overlooking the concerns we truly have. We get sparkles in our eyes about the prospect of being done with the very painful job search process and truly want to believe it's all going to be great. The very first step in being reasonably picky, for the sake of having a sustainable next job, is to be brutally honest about how certain you are that it's a good fit company and role for you. As I wrote in a recent article on career decision making, we only need to aim for 80% certainty when making choices. That is genuinely high enough to feel like we have made an informed, thoughtful decision without becoming completely paralyzed. So by 'reasonably picky,' I don't mean having sky-high, perfecting expectations, nor having full clarity that it'll be a fit. In order to gauge your certainty: Second, Know What To Ask and Observe Before Accepting a Job Offer In order to make your known unknowns into known knowns, you have to ask the right questions and observe the right elements. What are the 'right' questions and observations? Unfortunately I can't outright tell you. What's 'right' is entirely subjective and depends on what matters most to you at work. Every single coaching client I have had had slightly different questions and priorities about their work, so reflection is key to this part of the process. Some ways to do this: What do you need to know before accepting an offer? Don't be afraid to ask it - once you have the ... More offer Third, Conduct Thorough Research About The Job Offer Of course you can and should ask the hiring manager a lot of questions - that's a typical step before accepting an offer. But don't rely on one person's word! Asking for more information is not cause for rescinding an offer. If they balk at the request to talk with more people and/or to take a few days to consider the offer, that's 'data' for you to consider about the organization and/or the hiring manager's approach. In that case, proceed with real caution. In addition to the hiring manager, consider asking to talk with the following: In addition to asking great questions, don't overlook the role of intentional observation, by which I mean going into post-offer, pre-acceptance settings (e.g., conversations with the hiring manager and/or potential colleagues; a site visit) with a clear list of things you'll watch for. For instance, one of my clients had 'collaboration' very high on her list of values. I asked her how she'd know that was present and she said that in an in-person workspace she'd like to see people physically moving around, talking to one another; that was her specific notion of ideal collaboration. So she requested another site visit to meet her potential colleagues and observed interactions naturalistically while she was there (i.e., what was happening nearby as she talked to someone?). It passed her smell test and she accepted the offer - and is still there many years later! All in all, taking the time to full consider and research a full-time W2 job offer, no matter the economic conditions, is well worth it. It's much more costly - in terms of time, energy, and explaining away a short stint - to accept a bad job offer than it is to wait a bit for a better, long-lasting opportunity to come along.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
How to take care of yourself and your finances when you've experienced a layoff
NEW YORK — Recent layoffs from technology and media companies and government agencies might have you thinking about job security. Losing your job is a difficult thing to process and you might feel the impact in several parts of your life. But there are things you can do to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you've been laid off, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process and then move on with a plan for your job search. 'A layoff can feel so personal but it's not a reflection of your value or what you contributed. Especially in the U.S., the work we do is so tied to our identity,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist. Here are some expert recommendations to help you take care of your finances and your mental health if you've lost your job: Take a break to process Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it's important that you take time to emotionally process. 'Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,' Bryan-Podvin said. Whether you are feeling sadness, shock, anger or even relief, taking a moment to feel those emotions can help you move forward. Review your current financial situation To make plans for the future, it's essential that you review your current financial situation, said career coach Marlo Lyons. If you have a budget, take a closer look and review whether you have expenses that you can temporarily cut to save money. Lyons recommends that you know how long your severance package will last if you're receiving one. Applying for unemployment benefits as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the financial stress of a layoff. While the amount you get for unemployment might not be as much as your salary, it can help you to stay afloat for some time, Lyons said. The Labour Department has tips on applying for unemployment. Remember that you are not your job Getting laid off from a job can affect your self-esteem, so Bryan-Podvin recommends that you create a list of good qualities about yourself that add to your overall value as a person. Bryan-Podvin calls this a 'non-financial asset list.' 'If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself I might say I'm a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,' she said. When working with her clients, Bryan-Podvin recommends that they create this list to remind them that their self-worth is part of their net worth. Adjust spending If you lose your job, you'll need to be more strategic about your spending, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the money management app YNAB. 'In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,' Mecham said. Part of YNAB's budgeting strategy is giving each dollar a job, whether it is to pay rent, buy groceries or add to your savings account. When adjusting your spending, Bryan-Podvin also recommends that you approach this with some compassion. Since cutting back can bleed into not doing activities that make you happy, she recommends reminding yourself that this is a temporary pause rather than a permanent change in your lifestyle. Avoid overusing your credit card While utilizing your credit card to pay for some expenses is almost inevitable, it's best to not completely lean on credit while you're searching for a new job. 'If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,' Mecham said. Even though unemployment is temporary, Mecham recommends cutting expenses rather than keeping them at the same level and leaning on credit. Find community resources Look for community resources, whether that means finding a food bank near you or applying for a temporary hardship program. 'Lots of communities offer temporary hardship programs when it comes to necessary bills, such as electricity or water,' Bryan-Podvin said. offers a benefit finder where you can find available programs and how to apply. Approach your job search with a plan As you are applying to new jobs, Lyons recommends that you take some time to assess if your professional goals are still the same. If you're continuing in the same field, Lyons recommends that you make your resume 'forward-looking,' which means showing your future employer what you can do, not just what you have done. 'You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,' Lyons said. Lyons also recommends that you activate your network by reaching out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or attending industry networking events. Online certifications are another great way to make yourself a better candidate, she added. Create and maintain a routine Having a routine can help you take care of your mental health and keep a cadence of applying to jobs. Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time. 'When we are laid off, unemployment can feel really aimless, especially if it came at us kind of out of nowhere,' Bryan-Podvin said. It's also important to avoid isolating yourself and lean on your support system for emotional support, she added. Adriana Morga, The Associated Press
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to take care of yourself and your finances when you've experienced a layoff
NEW YORK (AP) — Recent layoffs from technology and media companies and government agencies might have you thinking about job security. Losing your job is a difficult thing to process and you might feel the impact in several parts of your life. But there are things you can do to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you've been laid off, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process and then move on with a plan for your job search. 'A layoff can feel so personal but it's not a reflection of your value or what you contributed. Especially in the U.S., the work we do is so tied to our identity,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist. Here are some expert recommendations to help you take care of your finances and your mental health if you've lost your job: Take a break to process Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it's important that you take time to emotionally process. 'Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,' Bryan-Podvin said. Whether you are feeling sadness, shock, anger or even relief, taking a moment to feel those emotions can help you move forward. Review your current financial situation To make plans for the future, it's essential that you review your current financial situation, said career coach Marlo Lyons. If you have a budget, take a closer look and review whether you have expenses that you can temporarily cut to save money. Lyons recommends that you know how long your severance package will last if you're receiving one. Applying for unemployment benefits as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the financial stress of a layoff. While the amount you get for unemployment might not be as much as your salary, it can help you to stay afloat for some time, Lyons said. The Labor Department has tips on applying for unemployment. Remember that you are not your job Getting laid off from a job can affect your self-esteem, so Bryan-Podvin recommends that you create a list of good qualities about yourself that add to your overall value as a person. Bryan-Podvin calls this a 'non-financial asset list." 'If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself I might say I'm a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,' she said. When working with her clients, Bryan-Podvin recommends that they create this list to remind them that their self-worth is part of their net worth. Adjust spending If you lose your job, you'll need to be more strategic about your spending, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the money management app YNAB. 'In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,' Mecham said. Part of YNAB's budgeting strategy is giving each dollar a job, whether it is to pay rent, buy groceries or add to your savings account. When adjusting your spending, Bryan-Podvin also recommends that you approach this with some compassion. Since cutting back can bleed into not doing activities that make you happy, she recommends reminding yourself that this is a temporary pause rather than a permanent change in your lifestyle. Avoid overusing your credit card While utilizing your credit card to pay for some expenses is almost inevitable, it's best to not completely lean on credit while you're searching for a new job. 'If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,' Mecham said. Even though unemployment is temporary, Mecham recommends cutting expenses rather than keeping them at the same level and leaning on credit. Find community resources Look for community resources, whether that means finding a food bank near you or applying for a temporary hardship program. 'Lots of communities offer temporary hardship programs when it comes to necessary bills, such as electricity or water,' Bryan-Podvin said. offers a benefit finder where you can find available programs and how to apply. Approach your job search with a plan As you are applying to new jobs, Lyons recommends that you take some time to assess if your professional goals are still the same. If you're continuing in the same field, Lyons recommends that you make your resume 'forward-looking,' which means showing your future employer what you can do, not just what you have done. 'You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,' Lyons said. Lyons also recommends that you activate your network by reaching out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or attending industry networking events. Online certifications are another great way to make yourself a better candidate, she added. Create and maintain a routine Having a routine can help you take care of your mental health and keep a cadence of applying to jobs. Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time. 'When we are laid off, unemployment can feel really aimless, especially if it came at us kind of out of nowhere,' Bryan-Podvin said. It's also important to avoid isolating yourself and lean on your support system for emotional support, she added. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
How to take care of yourself and your finances when you've experienced a layoff
Recent layoffs from technology and media companies and government agencies might have you thinking about job security. Losing your job is a difficult thing to process and you might feel the impact in several parts of your life. But there are things you can do to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you've been laid off, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process and then move on with a plan for your job search. 'A layoff can feel so personal but it's not a reflection of your value or what you contributed. Especially in the U.S., the work we do is so tied to our identity,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist. Here are some expert recommendations to help you take care of your finances and your mental health if you've lost your job: Take a break to process Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it's important that you take time to emotionally process. 'Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,' Bryan-Podvin said. Whether you are feeling sadness, shock, anger or even relief, taking a moment to feel those emotions can help you move forward. Review your current financial situation To make plans for the future, it's essential that you review your current financial situation, said career coach Marlo Lyons. If you have a budget, take a closer look and review whether you have expenses that you can temporarily cut to save money. Lyons recommends that you know how long your severance package will last if you're receiving one. Applying for unemployment benefits as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the financial stress of a layoff. While the amount you get for unemployment might not be as much as your salary, it can help you to stay afloat for some time, Lyons said. The Labor Department has tips on applying for unemployment. Remember that you are not your job Getting laid off from a job can affect your self-esteem, so Bryan-Podvin recommends that you create a list of good qualities about yourself that add to your overall value as a person. Bryan-Podvin calls this a 'non-financial asset list." 'If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself I might say I'm a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,' she said. When working with her clients, Bryan-Podvin recommends that they create this list to remind them that their self-worth is part of their net worth. Adjust spending If you lose your job, you'll need to be more strategic about your spending, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the money management app YNAB. 'In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,' Mecham said. Part of YNAB's budgeting strategy is giving each dollar a job, whether it is to pay rent, buy groceries or add to your savings account. When adjusting your spending, Bryan-Podvin also recommends that you approach this with some compassion. Since cutting back can bleed into not doing activities that make you happy, she recommends reminding yourself that this is a temporary pause rather than a permanent change in your lifestyle. Avoid overusing your credit card While utilizing your credit card to pay for some expenses is almost inevitable, it's best to not completely lean on credit while you're searching for a new job. 'If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,' Mecham said. Even though unemployment is temporary, Mecham recommends cutting expenses rather than keeping them at the same level and leaning on credit. Find community resources Look for community resources, whether that means finding a food bank near you or applying for a temporary hardship program. 'Lots of communities offer temporary hardship programs when it comes to necessary bills, such as electricity or water,' Bryan-Podvin said. offers a benefit finder where you can find available programs and how to apply. Approach your job search with a plan As you are applying to new jobs, Lyons recommends that you take some time to assess if your professional goals are still the same. If you're continuing in the same field, Lyons recommends that you make your resume 'forward-looking,' which means showing your future employer what you can do, not just what you have done. 'You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,' Lyons said. Lyons also recommends that you activate your network by reaching out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or attending industry networking events. Online certifications are another great way to make yourself a better candidate, she added. Create and maintain a routine Having a routine can help you take care of your mental health and keep a cadence of applying to jobs. Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time. 'When we are laid off, unemployment can feel really aimless, especially if it came at us kind of out of nowhere,' Bryan-Podvin said. It's also important to avoid isolating yourself and lean on your support system for emotional support, she added. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to take care of yourself and your finances when you've experienced a layoff
NEW YORK (AP) — Recent layoffs from technology and media companies and government agencies might have you thinking about job security. Losing your job is a difficult thing to process and you might feel the impact in several parts of your life. But there are things you can do to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. If you've been laid off, experts recommend that you first take a moment to process and then move on with a plan for your job search. 'A layoff can feel so personal but it's not a reflection of your value or what you contributed. Especially in the U.S., the work we do is so tied to our identity,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist. Here are some expert recommendations to help you take care of your finances and your mental health if you've lost your job: Take a break to process Losing your job can cause a lot of stress and financial anxiety, so it's important that you take time to emotionally process. 'Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,' Bryan-Podvin said. Whether you are feeling sadness, shock, anger or even relief, taking a moment to feel those emotions can help you move forward. Review your current financial situation To make plans for the future, it's essential that you review your current financial situation, said career coach Marlo Lyons. If you have a budget, take a closer look and review whether you have expenses that you can temporarily cut to save money. Lyons recommends that you know how long your severance package will last if you're receiving one. Applying for unemployment benefits as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the financial stress of a layoff. While the amount you get for unemployment might not be as much as your salary, it can help you to stay afloat for some time, Lyons said. The Labor Department has tips on applying for unemployment. Remember that you are not your job Getting laid off from a job can affect your self-esteem, so Bryan-Podvin recommends that you create a list of good qualities about yourself that add to your overall value as a person. Bryan-Podvin calls this a 'non-financial asset list." 'If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself I might say I'm a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,' she said. When working with her clients, Bryan-Podvin recommends that they create this list to remind them that their self-worth is part of their net worth. Adjust spending If you lose your job, you'll need to be more strategic about your spending, said Jesse Mecham, founder of the money management app YNAB. 'In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,' Mecham said. Part of YNAB's budgeting strategy is giving each dollar a job, whether it is to pay rent, buy groceries or add to your savings account. When adjusting your spending, Bryan-Podvin also recommends that you approach this with some compassion. Since cutting back can bleed into not doing activities that make you happy, she recommends reminding yourself that this is a temporary pause rather than a permanent change in your lifestyle. Avoid overusing your credit card While utilizing your credit card to pay for some expenses is almost inevitable, it's best to not completely lean on credit while you're searching for a new job. 'If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,' Mecham said. Even though unemployment is temporary, Mecham recommends cutting expenses rather than keeping them at the same level and leaning on credit. Find community resources Look for community resources, whether that means finding a food bank near you or applying for a temporary hardship program. 'Lots of communities offer temporary hardship programs when it comes to necessary bills, such as electricity or water,' Bryan-Podvin said. offers a benefit finder where you can find available programs and how to apply. Approach your job search with a plan As you are applying to new jobs, Lyons recommends that you take some time to assess if your professional goals are still the same. If you're continuing in the same field, Lyons recommends that you make your resume 'forward-looking,' which means showing your future employer what you can do, not just what you have done. 'You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,' Lyons said. Lyons also recommends that you activate your network by reaching out to past colleagues on LinkedIn or attending industry networking events. Online certifications are another great way to make yourself a better candidate, she added. Create and maintain a routine Having a routine can help you take care of your mental health and keep a cadence of applying to jobs. Plan your days so they include eating at your usual time, exercising and applying for jobs for a specific amount of time. 'When we are laid off, unemployment can feel really aimless, especially if it came at us kind of out of nowhere,' Bryan-Podvin said. It's also important to avoid isolating yourself and lean on your support system for emotional support, she added. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. Adriana Morga, The Associated Press
