The time between separation and starting a new job can be daunting, especially at the executive or senior management levels, where it often takes six to twelve months to secure a new role. This period presents the inevitable question, “What have you been doing since leaving your job?” Staying active during this time demonstrates initiative, discipline, and resourcefulness while helping to fill employment gaps on your resume.

Remaining engaged through this transitional period is crucial for mental well-being. Finding ways to stay productive helps maintain professional momentum, potentially generate short-term income, and keep you motivated for networking and self-promotion. As you update your brand, create a strategy, and target your job search, here are some constructive ways to stay active and committed to professional growth. Tailor these activities to your unique circumstances and goals.

looks_oneSeek out consulting projects or “fractional” work

Leverage your experience and expertise to offer valuable services to companies needing short-term guidance or project work. Tap into your professional network to promote yourself as a consultant, or use platforms like Upwork, FlexJobs, Fiverr, and others to find freelance opportunities.

This can generate income and allow you to apply and update your skills in high-demand areas. It introduces you to companies you may not have worked with before. Offering consulting or “fractional” HR services shows flexibility and adaptability—key traits that stand out to potential employers. Wowledge can be an excellent resource for HR leaders looking to enhance their expertise and bring more to the table for clients.

looks_twoWrite, post, and speak about your expertise 

Sharing your knowledge through articles, posts, or presentations can significantly boost your professional profile. Researching for these projects broadens your perspective and keeps you updated with industry trends. By consistently posting insightful content, you reinforce your personal brand and expertise to a broad audience.

LinkedIn is an ideal platform for this. A series of well-thought-out posts or articles can capture the attention of peers, recruiters, and hiring managers. Additionally, submitting articles to industry publications or offering to speak at professional organizations and conferences can build your reputation. You can also cross-promote this content on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and professional blogs. Another option for sharing your experience and expanding your network is participating as a guest in existing podcasts or YouTube channels. These are valuable opportunities to share your career journey and discuss your views on HR challenges and trends.

looks_3Volunteer with a local nonprofit 

Volunteering your time at a nonprofit is another meaningful way to stay engaged. By contributing your skills to improve operations or implement new initiatives, you give back to your community while keeping your management skills sharp. This can also lead to introductions to influential business leaders who support the organization, opening doors to new connections and potential opportunities.

Beyond building skills, you might seek to be invited to serve on boards or advisory roles, which can add a valuable dimension to your profile. Volunteering also showcases your leadership skills in contexts that demonstrate empathy, purpose, and commitment to social causes, traits often valued in leadership roles.

looks_4Invest in your professional development 

Use this time to develop new skills or strengthen existing ones. Whether through certifications, online learning, or attending seminars, enhancing your professional capabilities will increase your value to future employers. Some valuable areas for HR professionals include:

• Earning executive coaching certifications
• Mastering organization development or performance consulting
• Diving into analytics or evidence-based HR (EBHR) methodologies
• Gaining proficiency in process improvement systems like Lean or Six Sigma
• Exploring technology trends like AI and machine learning
• Expanding business acumen in finance, supply chain, or customer experience

Each represents high-demand skill sets that can set you apart when re-entering the job market. Make the most of this time by aligning your learning with long-term industry needs.

looks_5Find transition support groups and communities

Joining transition support groups offers both emotional support and practical career advice. Organizations like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and other professional HR associations host networking events, discussion forums, and support groups for professionals navigating career changes.

These groups can offer invaluable insights into how others navigate the same circumstances and provide an opportunity to exchange best practices. Participation helps you stay connected to the HR community, expand your network, and keep up with industry trends while offering a space to share resources and job leads. Reaching out to former colleagues or peers with similar experiences can also be a source of guidance and opportunities.

These areas of engagement can reveal the activities you enjoy most and clarify your next career move—whether as a consultant, in a smaller company, or a different industry. Taking proactive steps after a layoff builds a solid foundation for re-entering the job market, proving to future employers that you’re committed to growth and resilience.

A career transition may come with its share of obstacles. Still, it also offers a chance to reinvent yourself, explore new opportunities, sharpen skills, expand your network, and tap into your creativity and adaptability.

Finally, take care of yourself by focusing on physical, mental, and family well-being during this transitional period. Balancing self-care with professional engagement is critical for maintaining focus and energy in your next role.