Yell When You Need Help

How many times have friends or colleagues said to you, “Call me if you need any help” since you lost your job? The kindness of friends and strangers will never cease to surprise you, and usually they really mean it.

They may just have an ear to lend for your trials and tribulations, but they may also want to stay connected, offer advice or leads, and share in your experience. Often tips and leads come from the most surprising sources, like your realtor or your banker. It’s in their interest for you to be re-employed, for sure, but these are well-meaning people, and you are in a time of need.

And if you truly are out on a limb by yourself, there are professionals equipped to help guide you back onto a positive course of action. For instance, when I was between jobs a few years ago, a professional organization that I belonged to waived my renewal fees so I could have access to its career resources, including a free session with a life/career coach at an event in D.C. This introduction led to a series of phone consultations that piloted my job search in the right direction.

Whether it’s to friends, family, former colleagues or a coach, it’s okay to yell when you need help. You don’t have to go it alone.