If you’ve lost your job recently, you may have noticed that the world of job loss and job search is very different than it was 10 or 20 years ago. These days, employees in the narrow web and label manufacturing sector can lose their jobs for many different reasons. In my sphere, I see people at all job levels laid off when a company is acquired or merged, and duplicate jobs are eliminated.

People often lose jobs when businesses are restructured for investment purposes. In many cases, a senior-level (expensive) position is targeted to achieve cost savings. Or, part-time workers are eliminated and outsourced to make the employment ratios look good to stockholders or prospective buyers. 

Through no fault of their own, people lose jobs and find themselves stunned and unprepared. In these situations, it’s easy to fall back on old ideas. Times have changed, however, and you simply can’t start the job search process in the same way you did 10 or 20 years ago. You have to open yourself to new ways of doing things.

Letting go of old ideas means you have to…

1. Let go of the limitation that your job status is unfair. Life rarely goes exactly as we hope. If you are recently unemployed and you want your old job back, fight for it. I hope it goes without saying that when I say “fight,” I mean use the employment laws of your state – not revenge and violence. If you don’t want your job back, move on. Don’t wallow in feelings of injustice. It’s unproductive. You have to come to peace about losing your job. If you need to see a counselor to help you move on, by all means do that. I have, over the years, worked with employment, business and family counselors to help gain mental clarity about situations. It helps to know you are not alone.
2. Let go of the concept of what happiness and success “should” look like. Maybe you’re used to all the trappings – house, vacations, material goods – or maybe your spouse has retired and doesn’t want to go back to work while you job hunt. These are discussions that need to happen early, or there will be unhappiness and resentment later. Compromise and reassessing your expectations are essential during this process, even if you are only making decisions about yourself. Think about what you really need to be happy and feel good about yourself.
3. Let go of the notion that it’s all about you. If you could see my inbox, you would see how many people are struggling with job loss and job searches. Take off the blinders and reach out to others to be helpful and supportive. Join a job search group. Volunteer. Commit to meetings and appointments so you have structure in your day. Resist the urge to give your spouse or family a detailed account of your daily unhappiness about your situation. You can’t let this setback define you or drag others down.
4. Let go of the conceit that someone will hire you because of your resume. It has always been the case that you will fare better if you know someone in the hiring organization. These days, the job hiring process is very impersonal, usually completed online with log-ins and document attachments, requiring you to go through many hoops, with long periods of silence. It’s soul sucking. Your best bet is to have someone create a job for you. Even if you have a friend on the inside, once you have to go through the traditional job application process, you reduce your odds considerably. Find a way to be indispensable to someone to the point that they build a job just for you. If that’s not possible, then go on to #5.
5. Let go of the belief that you can do it yourself. To complete an online job application – if you have never done it before – you’ll need someone to walk you through it. Remember, you can be eliminated from consideration if you miss key steps in the application process. In fact, that is one way hiring organizations filter and reduce the pool of applicants. In addition, if your previous employer offers a job transition service, consider it. It may open your eyes to new positions that you are qualified for, or it may help you network with other people in your former organization. If the thought of accepting anything offered by your previous employer is too galling to consider, then reach out to others who can help. Experts include: (1) Professional recruiters who specialize in your industry and city, (2) Expert consultants and advisors who can make you job-ready for your next opportunity, (3) The career center at a local community college, (4) Free classes at your unemployment office, (5) Your network of professional associates and friends, (6) Job search clubs that meet weekly, (7) Meetups and informal gatherings of job seekers. Don’t forget to meet with those who are employed, especially in the label and narrow web industry. You can gain support and ideas from other job seekers, but you must stay involved to find another job.
6. Let go of the stereotype that “Work = Full-time Job.” You may find that a part-time job will meet your financial requirements and give you more freedom and flexibility. You may wish to explore self-employment or a home-based business. You may consider returning to school to learn a new trade. For sure, you will want to assess your skills and take a class that shows recent achievements to prospective employers. Add recent accomplishments to your resume, preferably something with a certificate or proof of mastery. Employers want to see that you are open to learning new things at any stage in your career, and that you have successfully completed the requirements.
7. Let go of the fear that your age or educational status is a detriment. From your side, it will definitely look that way. Even if you make it to an interview, you will sense that people are judging you. They are! You must make yourself valuable and worth taking a risk on. You have to be comfortable presenting yourself in a positive light – even if you aren’t hired. Yes, it can knock the wind out of your sails if you think an interview went flawlessly. It happens to everyone, even those with stellar credentials.

I hope these seven ways to let go when you lose your job will help you move forward productively. It may take six months, 12 months, or even longer. Job loss is stressful under any circumstances. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, reach out to the resources in your area. There is no shame in taking care of yourself and your family. You may not find a job that is equal to or better than your previous job in pay or stature. And you must be prepared to lose your job again in your lifetime, as you will be the new hire in your next job – and last in is usually first out when there’s upheaval. These are areas where a professional job counselor or advisor can help. In my podcast, “The Printer’s Edge with Rock LaManna,” I share tips about how to elevate your personal brand and make yourself more attractive to prospective employers. I recommend you take an honest look at your personal qualities, habits, how you interact with others, your work ethic, and the depth of your character. Work on your skills and work on yourself. To remain employed, you need more than just a shiny resume.

I wish you the best in your new reality. Use this as an opportunity to learn about yourself and improve. Relish time with family. Take small steps. Keep networking and try to stay positive. Count your blessings. Try to release limiting beliefs. Forgive yourself. Let go where you can. Look for ways to experience moments of serenity each day. Remember people out there care about you. I care.


For 35 years, Rock LaManna has coached and advised owners of printing companies on how to make business changes from a place of empowerment and knowledge. It’s never easy to change course or face unpleasant truths, but the team at the LaManna Alliance has the hands-on experience to keep you moving forward. Visit RockLaManna.com to start the process.