The 5 Steps to Finding Freelance Work After Being Laid Off

As of this week, The Wall Street Journal reports nearly 17 million people have applied for unemployment in this county. This is unbelievable. Who would think COVID-19 could cause such an economic catastrophe in our nation? We are truly living in unprecedented times. Now more than ever, people will be looking for freelance, part-time or full-time positions. If you or a loved one have been laid off and you are looking for freelance work, these 5 steps will make this journey that much easier. 

1. Create a winning mindset.  

Your life is a direct reflection of what you think. If you have a mindset of limitation or a negative outlook, this will have an unwelcome result in your life. Getting laid off is annoying, stressful and devastating. You may or may not have been prepared to deal with that blow in your life. When this happens, it is imperative that you avoid going to a place of worry and fear in your mind. Instead, take a deep breath. Acknowledge the loss you are experiencing and understand that this happened for a reason. As Gabrielle Bernstein teaches, the universe has your back and you don’t need to ever doubt this fact. It is up to you to hold on to this belief and act with confidence, determination and excitement to discover the next chapter in your life. 

2. Remove unnecessary limitations.   

Yes, many of us are bound to our homes to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you are laid off, does that mean you can’t find freelance work at home? Absolutely not! If you have access to the internet and time to work, it is only a matter of you taking the time to discover new opportunities available from the comfort of your home. But you do need to embrace a spirit of flexibility when it comes to the opportunities you consider. Will you be able to do the exact job you were doing when you were laid off? Possibly not. Guess what? That’s okay! Expand your comfort zone and apply for opportunities that leverage existing skills you have while giving you the opportunity to learn new skill sets. Despite the horror and pain COVID-19 is causing in this world, there are still plentiful opportunities to benefit, grow and enhance ourselves.  

3. Become one with the internet.  

I love the internet. Yes, there are parts of it that aren’t so great. But there is so much to learn and expose yourself to. If you are looking for a job, there are pages and pages of information and outlets to look for a job, like Fairygodboss. 

4. Leverage your personal and professional network.  

There are tons of resources available online. However, so many of us have robust personal and professional networks that we don’t utilize enough. Going through your personal rolodex and LinkedIn connections can help you navigate the job-hunting process by getting assistance or job leads. All you have to do is to tap into the network.   

5. Don’t give up.

Lastly, you can’t give up. Don’t get down if you don’t hear from folks or you get rejected from a potential employer. These things happen. Maybe that opportunity wasn’t a good fit for you. Maybe there is something better coming your way. Remember, the universe always has your back. Be hungry and determined to keep going. Apply for jobs, connect with folks in your network and remember this too shall pass! 

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Natasha Nurse is a speaker, coach, podcaster, and content creator. She started Dressing Room 8 to provide a web-based resource where women can gain personal and professional empowerment through her fashion and lifestyle focused blog. Dressing Room 8 helps women learn how to think with clarity, dress with confidence, and live with purpose. She is the Lifestyle Editor for Plus Model Magazine and she co-hosts a podcast with her husband called WokeNFree. Follow Natasha on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Don’t forget to join her Dressing Room 8 and WokeNFree groups on FGB.