10 Things to Do When You’re Presented with a New Opportunity

You’ve been there when it happens. All of a sudden you need to find a new role on a different timeline than you expected. What do you do?

I created a list of 10 things to do when you are presented with a new opportunity to decide what you want to do next. Apply these when your job is eliminated, you decide to quit, or if you feel bored and are not sure how to re-energize yourself to recommit to the current or new opportunity. Try them — you might be surprised by the result.

1. Take a breath (or several) and relax. You got this. Really.
2. In a notebook, write out several ideas for what you want to do next. It’s really important that you write this out by hand. Studies have shown that this integrative method activates your brain in a different way than typing.
3. Refine your ideas and your ask for others so that they are compact. This might take the form of: “Dear (first name), I am writing because I have decided to do something new. It would be great if you could connect me to 2–3 people who would be open to a conversation. My ideal role is (one sentence), and I have done these things recently (list 2–3 things that are relevant).”
4. Practice sending out the message you want to share to a few friends and ask for feedback; then go a bit wider in your distribution.
5. Post a message in your favorite community (LinkedIn, Slack, Facebook, etc.) letting your network know that you are open to new opportunities and would love to talk.

Now, shift gears and do something else. You will not be able to job hunt 24/7 and your friends and family will respond better to you if you take care of yourself and others.

6. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. Duh — you say — I know this. But did you do it recently? Keep yourself honest and make a journal, a spreadsheet, or have an accountability buddy who will ask you how you are doing. This is often a marathon, not a sprint, and you are beginning your resilience training.

7. Build a Funnel where you manage the flow of network contacts, job applications, responses, interviews, offers, and lost opportunities. Different people manage this in different ways. For me, it’s a spreadsheet I can use to understand if I am keeping up with my internal goals at identifying, connecting, and activating opportunities in my personal pipeline.

8. Help a friend that you know. What do they need? Whether it’s a quick cup of coffee, a listening ear, help with a work or personal problem, helping others is a powerful practice to continue while you are looking.

9. Write down your feelings during the process. Trust the Process! Even if it seems different, weird, scary, or bad, you are making an effort to change and define yourself for Future You’s benefit. It might a journal, a sketch, or a voice recording, and make sure you capture how you are feeling.

10. Practice your pitch in the mirror, to your family and friends, and to anyone who will listen. When you get feedback, you’ll be able to incorporate that into your story and get better and smoother at sharing what you want, what you can do, and why it matters.

Good luck, and remember this: redefining yourself is all about creating, communicating, and delivering unique value. You got this. 🏅🏆🙌⭐️😎

Photo courtesy of https://unsplash.com/@sammgrdichian