Laid Off & Looking: Is it possible to change careers during an unemployment surge? 3 Steps to Start

Part of my journey, like so many others during the global pandemic, is being let go from my company.

Originally, I took the news quite well if I say so myself. I was not in a dire situation like so many others and I realized I could choose the positive perspective of being pushed into a new direction.

Unhappy in my job but happy with the work/life balance and income it provided, I was sacrificing passion in my work for contentment.

Armed with time and positivity, I realized that in my specific situation, this worldwide tragedy could have a shining silver lining.

Until, that is, the reality of re-inventing myself set in. I have worked in the retail industry my entire professional career. Once upon a time I loved it and after 15+ years I was damn good at it. So many people overlook those in retail as not "having real jobs" but what they fail to realize is that we manage multi-million dollar businesses. We employ and oversee staffs ranging from 5 employees into the hundreds. We are experts at conflict management (both internally and with the public) while managing tens of thousands of units of inventory.

So how to make someone realize that and move past the negative, or rather dismissive, heading of "Retail Manager"? I'm using my time to switch industries, but is it possible?

One morning I sat down and started reviewing what a typical day at my old store looked like. In the morning, I was an analyst. Reviewing the weekend's business, re-forecasting the week's projections, followed by an HR session touching base with each member of my leadership team and staff. Then, down to the sales floor to observe the selling environment interacting with both clients and my team; gaining insight into best sellers, quality concerns, current trends and the store's visuals.

Early afternoon involved a conference call with my peer group, the buying team, logistics, PR and other home office departments. Then, off to network in the neighborhood to compare business trends, bench candidates and keep a pulse on the retail world.

At some point I stopped for lunch, but that usually involved bites of food between emails and review writing. There were a hundred other tasks nestled in between, but those were the major makers of my day.

As someone who wore half a dozen hats daily, why is it so hard to make outsiders see the value of my tenured career?

1. Pick a Skill

I have a lot of interests, and obviously a varied skill set by nature of performing in all aspects of the business as a store manager - so, in the past I have taken the approach of "I can be a merchandiser" "I can be a talent developer" " I can be a ...."; while this might all be true, it doesn't give a potential employer a lot of faith in either the depth of my experience in one particular skill or my level of investment in a new position.

So I am picking one skill, one that I am passionate about, one that makes me light up when I talk about it, even the nitty gritty details, and going all in. This website is actually a step in that direction. Empowering my people, developing their talents and finding their true motivation is what excites. Reminding people that they have a voice, that they can have a job they love and that it doesn't matter what they "should" be doing or its "too late" because they've been doing one thing for so long.

2. Align your professional platforms with this specific intention

After determining what I'm terming my "passion skill", I needed to revisit my LinkedIN profile (any social media you use as a professional resource) and update it to be more focused and expound on how my many and unique talents would specifically be an asset in this position. Also searching key words used in your potential new career and adding those into your profiles/resume is more efficient than using generic buzz words.

3. Network, Network, Network

Networking is key at any stage and for more than just professional pursuits, but even more so when attempting to change industries. Now is the time I am reviewing my network, reconnecting, making my new focus known and seeking out new connections in my desired field. At the end of the day, many jobs are attained because of who you know and who they know.

This endeavor to change fields is labor intensive and full of layers and details. I'm still making my own way through it but I know that like any job, if I am consistent, but in the work and keep my eye on the prize I will be successful.