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3 Strategies for Managing Professional Events While Unemployed
Managing tough questions about long-term unemployment is challenging. Answering the questions at professional events and conferences is even tougher. Learn strategies for answering some challenging, but oft-repeated, questions when you’re surrounded by peers in your field.
In 2018, the college where I worked closed with little notice and I found myself unemployed for the first time ever. I documented the experience in my book, Tales of a Displaced Worker, to help others deal with sudden job-loss. Since posting the original article, many more people have found themselves dealing with sudden job-loss and shifts to their work environment. I thought it would be a good idea to re-visit this topic, with some updates on suggestions.
One thing I can say, looking back years later, is that there is an emotional toll you will need to reckon with. Whether it is having an identity tied directly to the work you used to do or feelings of restlessness or inadequacy, you will need to address them in order to move on to form a new identity. It would take me another six months after attending my first professional event to recognize what that toll was and how it impacted me for years. Take care of yourself as a priority — these professional events will be there when you’re ready.
