Wall Street is going through its shake-up and it seems there’ll be more layoffs before the dust will settle.

This is a difficult time for financial analysts in the States, especially if you’ve lost your job or think you’re about to. I can definitely relate to your anxiety. On my About page I share the fact that lightning didn’t just hit me once, but three times!

Having gotten used to a fast paced lifestyle that speaks success, you may feel directionless, a loss of identity or even a failure. I went through that phase myself.

Let me assure you that this is not the end of the world. In fact, it may even be the best thing that could ever happen to you. I’m not out of my mind. It’s only with hindsight that I came to this realization.

I learned three major life lessons from my experience:

1. Acceptance
2. Appreciation
3. Adventure

Let me share with you today the first lesson that I learned.

Acceptance

Every time when bad news hit, I used to ask:

“Why?
Why me?”

Now, with hindsight and a little wiser, I ask:

“Why not?
Why not me?”

We all know that the financial industry goes through its ups and downs just like a price chart. Traders know that the trend is their friend. Being resistant and resentful to the job market reality would be like going against the trend.

Traders accept that the market moves in ups and downs. That’s why smart traders have developed strategies for both the bull market and the bear. They also have strategies to hedge their risks.

When you take a long-term view of your career, it’ll be easier for you to accept the current doldrums. Only then will you be able to understand your current situation with a clear perspective. From there, you’ll be able to make meaningful plans with your long term career goals in mind.

If you think that good times don’t last, you’re right. By the same token, bad times also won’t.

Acceptance - Financial Analyst Layoffs

Read Part 2

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