Between Jobs and Thriving | Career Series 2

Losing a job can feel like the ground’s been ripped out from under you—but it doesn’t have to define you.
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really means to be between jobs—and how this in-between season can actually set you up for your best chapter yet. 

We’ll cover the emotional rollercoaster of job loss, the mindset shifts that help you move forward, and the practical steps you can take right now to rebuild your confidence, sharpen your focus, and open the door to new opportunities. 

Being between jobs isn't just a waiting room—it's a launch pad. 
Let’s turn uncertainty into forward motion, and thriving into your new normal. 

Contact Cathy at https://www.moreformidlifers.com/contact/

Transcript

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Welcome to More, the podcast for midlifers ready to regroup, rebuild their confidence, and rediscover their purpose. If you're nearly 50 and beyond, and navigating job loss, career shifts, or just standing in that strange space between what was and what's next, you're in the right place. Hi, I'm your host, Kathy, certified leader, career advisor, and midlife mentor, and I've walked this road myself. With 20 years of experience guiding others through transition, I'll share my ideas and encouragement and my experience and ways to help you stay focused and stay moving. This is part two of our career series. And today's episode is called Between Jobs and Thriving. Because when you've been displaced or laid off, real life can feel more confusing and overwhelming than ever. And yes, it can even be painful. So your career isn't over. It's taking a detour. This is a chance to hit pause. Life has carved out the space for you to reassess and rediscover what truly makes you happy. Maybe this is the moment you didn't even know you needed to pursue something that finally fits your passions and purpose and has been calling you for a while. But career changes in midlife come with their own unique challenges. And it's not too late to tackle those challenges head on. Challenges like our self-talk, what we think about this transition, and how we feel about what we're going through. And maybe we're angry, and that's that's normal, but staying stuck in fear can hold us back even before we begin. Sometimes it's not the job market, it's the voice inside convincing us that our best career days are behind us. And you know that's not true. In fact, here's some hope. According to Mindy Feldbaum in an article in Working Nation, she says older workers perform the same or better than their younger counterparts on seven out of ten essential skills. Well, ladies and gentlemen, that's you. Mature workers bring context and judgment and experience, the very things that employers need right now. Silence that negativity. Say no to those negative thoughts. You can do it. Another challenge is all this newfound time. It's a challenge when we don't funnel it correctly and when we don't have structure to our day and we squander it. And then you feel unproductive at the end of the day, and you might even feel some guilt. So the answer to that is to create an action plan or a schedule daily to help us stay focused. And I'll show you how we can do that here. According to the experts, full impact of unemployment is about more than a loss of income. Because for many people, it feels like a loss of identity. Is that you? Because I can super relate to that. It's like when you go places and you meet people and someone says, So what do you do? What do you say? Well, the sooner you realize that your identity is much more significant than a job or a title, the sooner you'll come off the merry-go-round of doubt and shame. And sooner that you find yourself grounded again. So let's talk about all the space and all the time that we have and how we can create opportunities for growth and a fresh start. Here are 10 ways to use this time wisely. All right. Number one, establish a daily routine. Start each morning with purpose. Get up, get dressed, move your body, eat healthy, and spend time outside. Create a schedule. Write down the goals for the day, stick to them, and know that even the small steps build a sense of progress and help you take control of your future instead of feeling stuck. Number two, think about the things that make you happy and pick up a new hobby or read a great book or join a book club. Joy is productive, it keeps your energy alive. Do what you can to spark happiness and calm your spirit. Number three, stay connected. Job loss can feel isolating. So make connecting with others a priority. Rekindle old friendships if you can. Make new friends, join groups that inspire you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and not weigh you down. Number four, volunteer. Volunteering with a nonprofit is a great way to sharpen your skills, fill resume gaps, and boost your sense of purpose and give back to the community at the same time. Number five, stop and assess where you are and where you want to go. This is more than a job search. It's a chance to reassess your goals and your values. So ask yourself when looking for another job, do I want more responsibility this time? Do I want to slow down a little bit? Do I want to simplify? Or am I ready to chase bigger, more energetic opportunities out there? You can pick and choose right now. Lay the foundation for the next most fulfilling chapter of your career. Number six, network. Today, who you know matters more than what you know, and that's for sure. And applies to midlifers in particular. I know somebody who went to the dentist when she was unemployed. And she happened to tell the hygienist looking for an opportunity, and the dental hygienist happened to know somebody who provided her with a very good lead. That was an opportunity that she could have missed if she hadn't said something to the hygienist. So you need to put your best foot forward every day, everywhere you go, because you just never know where that's going to lead. Number seven, update your resume daily and tweak it for every job you apply to. I say daily because momentum builds confidence, and confidence gets things done. Number eight, alleviate financial stress. So if you're between jobs now, you need to explore unemployment benefits and file for those immediately if you haven't already. Contact your creditors and mortgage companies, track your spending and review your budget and eliminate unnecessary expenses right now. And consider taking a temporary or part-time job as a stepping stone because it's so much easier to find a job when you already have one. Number nine, prioritize self-care. Okay, so this time is all about you. Rest and recharge and do things that restore your spirit. Write, meditate, surround yourself with edifying people. Self-care isn't a luxury right now, it's essential. And 10, seek guidance. You don't have to figure this out alone. But now it's time to invest in you. And it's not selfish. Expand your support team. Work with a career coach and reach out to recruiters. And again, surround yourself with the right people, people who believe in your potential. Take the time to heal and regroup and strategize so that your next step is one that you'll be proud of. I'd love to hear your thoughts. So comment below and make sure that you hit the subscribe button and join the conversation in our Facebook group called More for Midlifers Who Want to Live More. And if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck or struggling, sometimes another person's perspective can give you clarity. With private mentoring, you can move forward faster with more confidence. So if you'd like me to walk alongside you while you sort things out, or if you just need to be pointed in the right direction, drop your info in the contact me section below and we'll connect. Alright, it's your turn. Do you need to change your routine and make better use of your time? How are you planning to get busy? Set some goals today and take action. Thank you for joining me. And I'll see you in the next episode of More.