Anxiety post layoffs - how to move forward?
Got laid off about a month ago (company layoffs - not performance based) and have been struggling with anxiety.
I've been trying to do everything that I can to find a job (cold emailing, networking, coffee chats, working with recruiters, applying to jobs super quickly, etc) but haven't had much luck. I didn't go to a target school so don't have a super great network. Plus I'm a first year and most places with openings want at least a year of experience. It's been really hard, and I keep having panic attacks. I'm trying to treat my body right but still can't stop them. I've been staying active (cardio, working out, yoga) and eating pretty well.
Has anyone been in a similar position? If so, how did you move forward? How do you cope with the anxiety and uncertainty?
Really appreciate any guidance
Not the advice you want to hear, but it's worth putting a few extra bucks down to go see a professional to discuss these things. Glad to hear you are controlling as much as you can though.
Unfortunately, going to see a mental health professional is not a “few extra bucks”. Many of them don’t take insurance
Hiring markets are likely going to pick up in the next few quarters. Dealflow is stronger and teams are short staffed, so when more people begin quitting in the spring and summer after bonuses, there will be a large number of openings at basically every group. Stay positive mate
Go for a walk everyday - DM if you’re based in London happy to help
In similar spot, would appreciate any advice
I feel you. It’s very hard when this kind of thing happens and not seeing an end to it. As someone said above, it would be wise to see a professional and maybe see if you’re still entitled to this via your old company.
In the event this does contribute to your anxiety, have a clear understanding of your personal financial situation and strip back spending where possible. But keep things like gym membership, dental care and food allowance, as they’ll be key in keeping yourself healthy. I’d also recommend making sure you’ve invested in a good workspace as you’ll be spending a large chunk of your time applying, preparing for applications and doing calls.
Good thing about this is most firms are laying people off so it shouldn’t be too hard to explain to recruiters and they’d be more receptive in these times.
If I were you, I’d sit and reflect on what other areas you can possibly tap into (VC, FP&A, in-house m&a, corp banking, strategy, internship level roles, etc.) or IB offices in T2/3 cities that would allow you to pivot back into IB in the city when the market picks back up. Additionally, look into any qualifications that you can gain during your time off. At this stage of your career, it’s really about getting the experience and credibility on your CV.
As someone mentioned above too, happy to help if you’re London / UK-based.
Don’t forget to lean on friends and family too, as well as anything else that will help keep your mental and physical health in good shape. You’re doing a good job by exercising still. Look into volunteering to make sure you’re still socialising, whether that’s mentoring those from non-targets or some other charity work.
You’re not the first or the last to go through this. You got this OP, hang in there.
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