What do you do if your sustainable design career is impacted by a layoff?
Losing your job is never easy, especially if you are passionate about sustainable design and want to make a positive impact on the environment and society. However, a layoff does not have to mean the end of your career or your dreams. In fact, it can be an opportunity to explore new possibilities, learn new skills, and network with like-minded professionals. Here are some tips on how to cope with a layoff and bounce back stronger in your sustainable design career.
The first thing to do after a layoff is to take stock of your current situation and plan your next steps. How much savings do you have? How long can you afford to be without a steady income? What are your expenses and how can you reduce them? Do you qualify for any unemployment benefits or financial assistance? How is your health insurance and other benefits affected by the layoff? These are some of the questions you need to answer to create a realistic budget and timeline for your job search.
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Preksha Bader
🚀 Director at Digitalgowhere | Expert in Digital Sustainability 🌍 | Reducing Digital Carbon Footprints for B2B and public listed companies with SEO, Design & Web Development | ✅ SME Climate Hub business 🌱|
If you're faced with a layoff in your role, take a moment to reflect on your skills and goals. During this process, stay connected with industry contacts who might offer insights or job opportunities. Also, consider exploring new training programs or freelance opportunities to keep your skills sharp and your options open.
Your portfolio is your best tool to showcase your sustainable design skills and projects to potential employers and clients. Make sure it is up to date, relevant, and professional. Include examples of your work that demonstrate your creativity, problem-solving, and sustainability principles. Use clear and concise descriptions, highlight your achievements and impact, and provide links to your online presence, such as your website, blog, or social media accounts. You can also use your portfolio to showcase any personal projects or volunteer work you have done related to sustainable design.
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Preksha Bader
🚀 Director at Digitalgowhere | Expert in Digital Sustainability 🌍 | Reducing Digital Carbon Footprints for B2B and public listed companies with SEO, Design & Web Development | ✅ SME Climate Hub business 🌱|
Updating your portfolio can be a crucial step after a layoff in your career. Reflect on your recent projects, achievements and skills, and showcase them effectively in your portfolio. Consider adding new pieces that highlight your strengths and expertise, and ensure your portfolio is up to date with your most recent work and per the the geography. This can help you present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers or clients.
Sustainable design is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. A layoff can be a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills and make yourself more marketable and competitive. You can take online courses, attend webinars, read books and articles, or join online communities and forums related to sustainable design. You can also look for certifications or credentials that can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise. For example, you can pursue the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation, which is a globally recognized standard for green building design.
Networking is essential for any career, but especially for sustainable design, where you can benefit from the insights, advice, and opportunities of other professionals who share your vision and values. You can network online or offline, depending on your preferences and availability. You can join online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Behance, or GreenBiz, where you can connect with other sustainable designers, follow influencers, join groups, and participate in discussions. You can also attend events, such as conferences, workshops, or meetups, where you can meet people in person, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
Finally, don't limit yourself to the same type of job or employer you had before the layoff. Sustainable design is a broad and diverse field that offers many opportunities for different roles, sectors, and industries. You can explore new avenues, such as freelancing, consulting, entrepreneurship, or education. You can also look for jobs in different organizations, such as nonprofits, government agencies, or social enterprises, that align with your mission and values. You can also consider relocating to a different city or country, where there might be more demand or support for sustainable design.