After Downsizing - Beyond Layoff
The recent wave of layoffs finds many qualified workers between jobs. For most, this is a stressful, emotional experience. A natural tendency is to feel anger because the layoff feels unjustified; discouragement because due to the current labor market projections; loneliness for co-workers; and anxiety over financial responsibilities. If you are experiencing these feelings, consider the following steps for managing this challenging transition.
- Think of times when you have handled tough times successfully in the past. Review how you managed the situation. What got you through those times? Was it your resourcefulness or your tenacity or your cleverness or your energy or...all of these? Remind yourself each day of your ability to do what you need to do.
- Stay physically active. If you have a usual physical routine, this is no time to abandon it. If you have no fitness routine, take a brisk walk each day. Physical activity increases energy and lifts spirits.
- Create a job search plan:
- A. Research the labor market. Go to the local One Stop Career Center; look at internet job banks; review employer websites; go to job fairs. Find out which companies are hiring and what industries are in need of employees. Read the business pages of your newspaper. What companies are going through transitions that may require the assistance of someone with your skills? Talk to everyone you know about your career goal; be specific; ask for recommendations and referrals.
- B. Take little steps. Do something every day. When you have accomplished your daily objectives, take time off. Enjoy family and friends. You need some time away from the process and it will be easier to leave it if you know you have followed your daily plan.
- C. Don't expect to bat a thousand. It just does not happen that way. Some opportunities will fall through and some new ones will pop up. Don't blame yourself when the employer does not select you; the selection process is influenced by many things other than competencies. That may not seem fair but it's the reality.
- D. Be your own best friend. There will be some "bad" days no matter how hard you work at your job search. When you hit a low point, remember that this is normal. Don't let these days send you into a serious depression. If you notice that happening, talk with someone you trust or get professional help. See if your One-Stop Career Center has Career Counselors with whom you can speak. Keep up your exercise routine. Limit alcohol consumption. Watch your food intake.
- E. To get help with the practical aspects of the job search such as resume development, interviewing skills, employer contact strategies, etc., check out your One Stop Career Center. If you need additional support, you may want to hire a career coach.
Dr. Rita Carey, has assisted dozens of organizations and thousands of individuals through a broad array of transitions - from individual career changes to change management strategies for entire corporations. For biographical information on Dr. Carey, please click here
