“I haven’t really done anything since I got laid off except look for jobs,” said Jim. “I suppose I should do something to keep my abilities sharp or learn a new skill.”

Jim isn’t alone. There are plenty of smart, experienced professionals who get laid off and have been without a job for almost a year or more. Fortunately for Jim, he hadn’t been in limbo for too long before he had this conversation with me.

There are three success secrets to stay sharp after being laid off.

1. Take Time For You

The very first thing you must do after leaving your employer is to take time for yourself. When I was between jobs, I made the mistake of immediately jumping right in to find the next opportunity. I didn’t take any time to decompress, reflect or determine what my best next steps were. Consequently, I was left feeling ragged and worn out before I even started a new job!

Taking time for you is important, even if it is only a week to reflect and relax. It’s critical to consider your next steps and not give in to the automatic reflex action of looking for your next gig. This is particularly true if you have been feeling unfulfilled in what you do or disillusioned with your career. Allowing yourself the space for clarity is helpful to develop a positive plan of action.

2. Volunteer Your Skills