Facing A Layoff?
You have choices!
Faced with uncertainty in the job market, you do have choices, even if you are facing a layoff.
You can choose to cling to the same, even when there is little hope for the future of it, or you
can choose a different course.
You may not like the choices you have, but you can work to change that situation. You can choose to
embrace the change
by making a successful transition to a new career or by opening your own business.
The Choices You Make Today Will Determine Your Tomorrow. So....
What Kind of Tomorrow Are You Choosing?
My Job Layoff Story
I was working 60 - 70 hours a week for a major telecommunications company when I started hearing rumors
of job layoffs. Due to new technology, the market was changing and the company anticipated a decrease in
their current sales force. Up to that point, my job had already been preserved through a few company
layoffs.
I kept focused on my work and tried not to panic. Some time later, I received a voluntary leave package
delivered to my home via courier. I had 30 days to decide whether to take the package. If I did not take
the package and held on to my job, there was no guarantee that I would get any benefit package later
if they were forced to mandatory layoffs.
I had accumulated 7 ½ years with the company, but most of my counterparts had worked 22 - 27 years for
the company. They couldn't afford to take the package because they were so close to retirement.
But I could.
I had a choice to make.
I was tired of living with the threat of being laid off. Some of my counterparts were the best
in the business, and yet their futures were being threatened after devoting many years to the company.
This is not what I wanted for myself. I prayed and had no clear direction for 28 days.
On the 29th day, I had my answer.
Facing an uncertain future, I took action.
I took the voluntary leave package. I was able to leave with medical benefits for a year,
a sum of money, and career transition services. I enjoyed a brief rest and revived myself and my
emotions. I kiddingly told people that I took a retirement package, which got some interesting looks.
Facing Uncertainty
When faced with uncertainty, the things that we used to count on, the things that were our reality,
are no longer certain. Our sense of who we are, our "identity" can feel threatened.
A feeling of helplessness over the things we can't control can set in. If it is not dealt with,
continued helplessness turns into an attitude of defeat. It feels like, "it doesn't matter what I do".
Don't focus on what no longer works.
Focus on the possibilities of what can work.
Taking action helps to effectively deal with the feeling of helplessness over things we can't control.
You can choose a different course. You can choose to explore all your options.
GET A VISION FOR YOUR FUTURE!
If Plan A no longer works, you can have a Plan B and even a Plan C.
You can do some
Career Exploration
You can redirect your focus. You can invest in yourself.
Use this time of uncertainty to start thinking about what else you would like to do.
What is your dream?
Invest in your life.
Start your journey now, before the job is gone.
Make your plan B & C, in case your current Plan A doesn't work out.
HOW IT WORKED OUT FOR ME
I was fine.
The company ended up laying off 40,000 that year and I continue to hear of downsizing year after year.
Meanwhile, I changed gears and decided I wanted to work helping people in a Human Services setting.
I found an opportunity to work locally in a government job and have been with the state ever since.
I am fine.
I chose to take control of my own life. I redirected my focus.
Make your choices today so that you like the kind of tomorrow that you are living.
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