Your New Role: The CEO of You

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

Changing Your Job Search Mindset

In most cases, job searchers who are in post-layoff career transition think about themselves as individuals looking for a company to hire them. Instead, consider shifting your mindset about your role while searching for a new position. Let’s reframe your job search experience. 

Your New Job: The CEO of You

Instead of thinking of yourself as an employee looking for a new employer, it’s time for you to think of yourself first and foremost as the Chief Executive Officer of your own company. This makes you the CEO of You. This means that your job is to make the best decisions for you as a whole.

​As the CEO of You, you are looking for employment that is a good business arrangement for you. Just like the executive team at a company needs to make tough decisions for the organization’s greater good, you need to make decisions that are in the best interests of you and your household. Adopting this mindset will shift your focus and change your life. 

The Business of You

As the CEO of You, it’s time to think about what success looks like for your business. What are your assets? What are your marketable skills? Which company or companies should be your business partners? When is it time for you to end a business relationship that is not working? When is it time for you to pursue a new opportunity better aligned with your life?
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Whereas you as an employee may feel like you do not have any options, you need to make decisions for the good of the business as the CEO of You. One of those is determining how to protect one of your greatest assets–your ability to earn a living by leveraging your knowledge, skills, and expertise. 

Your Short and Long-Term Goals

As the CEO of You, think about your long-term goals. Just like the company's CEO does not make decisions based on what other companies think they should do, you need to do the same. Regardless of other people’s opinions, make the right decision for you and your household. Align your next steps with your overall goals. Think in terms of preferences and priorities.

​Remember, too, that you’re not just the CEO of your career but the CEO of all aspects of you. This means not taking “any old job” unless you decide that is the right move for you overall. This also means that your business decisions may change over time as the environment changes. You can also change your mind about the right job for you based on the length of your job search and other factors in your life. 

Adjusting Your Business Strategy 

At the end of the day, remember your role as the CEO of you and make a decision that aligns with your overall career and life goals. If you are committed to getting a job meeting all of your requirements, know that it may take a little longer to find that job. Know, too, that you get to hold out for that job if that is what you decide to do. Also, know it’s okay to adjust what you want based on your current situation. Do what makes the most sense for you.

Learn More

• Forbes.com: How To Apply The CEO Mindset In Other Areas Of Your Life
• The Layoff Lady: Five Reasons Why Career Transition Is Hard
• The Layoff Lady: I Just Got Laid Off--Now What?