First, Let Yourself Grieve What You’ve Lost
We skip this part too often. Losing a job isn’t just about losing income. It’s about losing rhythm, identity, and the daily validation that comes from doing work you’re proud of.
When was the last time you actually acknowledged what this loss feels like instead of jumping straight into “fix it?”
Give yourself space to name the loss before you rush into the next opportunity. Journaling, therapy, prayer, or trusted conversations do whatever clears the mental space you’ll need to fight for what’s next.
Understand the “Overqualified” Label for What It Really Means
When they call you overqualified, they are not saying, “You’re too good.” They’re often saying:
“We don’t want to pay you what you’re worth.”
“We’re worried you’ll leave for something better.”
“We think you’ll outshine people we’ve already promoted.”
Ask yourself: Have you been taking “overqualified” as a backhanded compliment, when it’s actually a red flag about the company’s mindset? This isn’t about your value it’s about their comfort. And that’s why your next role has to be with people who aren’t intimidated by your resume.
Update
Step Outside the Same Five Job Boards
The public job market is flooded. The real opportunities are often shared where they think the “right people” will see them—which means we need to be in those rooms.
Three overlooked places to find roles:
Black professional networks & industry-specific Slack groups – Spaces like Black Women Talk Tech or The Memo community.
Supplier diversity programs – Large companies often need short-term, high-skill consultants and skip posting those roles publicly.
Former clients and colleagues – They know your work and may have budget flexibility for contract roles even when full-time hiring is frozen.
Reflection check: Who in your network hasn’t heard from you in months, but should know you’re looking right now?
Treat This as a Career Intermission, Not an Ending
An intermission is a pause—not the end of the show. This is the time to:
Update your portfolio, not just your resume.
Add a certification or skill you’ve been putting off.
Take on short-term consulting that keeps your skills sharp and your network alive.
Think about it: If you saw this moment as a strategic reset instead of a setback, how would your energy and actions change?
Anchor Yourself in Community
Isolation is the enemy in seasons like this. Black women have carried so much solo in corporate spaces that when we’re suddenly out of them, the silence can be heavy.
Stay in rooms—virtual or in-person—where people will speak your name in opportunities, remind you of your worth, and normalize the waiting season without making you feel like you’re falling behind.
Who are your “career truth-tellers”—the people who remind you who you are when you start to forget? If you don’t have them yet, make finding them a priority.
A Gentle but Real Reminder
This market is unfair. The economy is unpredictable. But your track record is proof that you’ve done hard things before and come out stronger.
The goal right now is not just to “find another job.” It’s to find the right place for this version of you—wiser, sharper, and unwilling to shrink to fit a role that doesn’t deserve you.
Your Next Move
What’s one skill, one connection, or one conversation you can invest in this week that makes you feel like you’re moving forward?
And more importantly when you land your next role, how do you want to feel walking in on day one? Because that answer will tell you what kind of opportunity you’re really looking for.
