Uh-Oh, I know what you’re thinking. You’ve been laid off…now what?
Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being this is
the United States of America, the most powerful economic engine in the world, and loaded
with possibilities, you’ve got to ask yourself a question:
Is this a Problem or an Opportunity?
What might look like a near term problem could very well be a path forward to additional career satisfaction. I have seen some people stay in jobs too long that are financially rewarding but physically and emotionally draining to the point of diminishing returns.
Some colleagues have said privately that they were not sure how long they could keep up “the pace.” Some have experienced unhealthy weight gain from stress eating on the job that negatively affects their physical wellbeing. Others have mentioned stress induced psychological problems like chronic fatigue, depression or burn-out. All very real.
Here are some thoughts that may help you get your mojo back
When you are laid off, your employment is terminated due to no fault of your own. In most cases, companies lay off staff because they are downscaling or trying to cut costs. This is usually due to a changing economy.
Your Post Layoff To Do List
- Request a Letter from Human Resources about the layoff
- Understand Your Health Insurance Benefit Options under COBRA or ACA
- Know What’s in Your Final Paycheck & How it Will Be Sent
- Review Your Retirement Plans Roll-Over or Short Term Access
- Sign up for Unemployment, Don’t Delay
- Re-connect with and Expand Your Network
- Revise Your Resume(s) to Match What you Want Next
- Make up Inexpensive Personal Business Cards
- Be Prepared to Explain that the Layoff was Due to Market Forces
- Put together a list of “Values” that are important in your next position (Work – Life Balance; Recognition; Great relationship with Boss; Less Commute Time; Total Reward)
Don’t Fall Into the Victim Trap
What’s driving your path forward? Is it emotion or reality? Sometimes bad things happen to good people. It’s understandable that you are frustrated, but the best thing you can do is remain positive and funnel your energy into what is possible. Recall your past victories and stay focused.
It’s true some people lose their jobs without good cause. It’s also often true that certain underlying factors play a part. Some situations do involve varying degrees of personal responsibility. Someone who fails to consider those reasons may not learn or grow from the experience and could end up facing the same situation again. OWN IT.
Some Do’s and Dont’s
Do:
- Figure out where you stand financially by assessing your household budget in the context
of your severance package and unemployment benefits - Craft a simple, upbeat explanation for your layoff to share with employers and contacts
- Surround yourself with positive people to help you move forward
- Develop your 30 second elevator speech about what you want in your next position
- Research companies in your industry that may be hiring
- Network with contacts, since many jobs are not posted online
- Put full-time effort into looking for a new job
Don’t
- Approach recruiters when you’re still emotionally raw. If you are unsure of how you might be coming across, ask a trusted friend
- Rush into the job market, instead network with an exploratory mindset to uncover your next opportunity
- Neglect your wellbeing- make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep
Do Your Personal SWOT Analysis
I have never seen anyone who did not benefit from a time of focused introspection. Taking time to
let your wheels turn about possibilities on your journey forward is time well spent. They key is to surrender any pre-conceived notions about what “should be” and put energy into visualizing what might be.
The way humans are wired at the factory is to mentally conceive things first before taking steps in that direction. Don’t believe me: just ask golfers like Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods about how they do this. After you digest your personal SWOT, “See” yourself in your next opportunity. Once you get your next steps firmly fixed in your mind, sleep on it. This is the role you feel called to do from the inside out. How did that feel?
Strengths
Identify areas in which you excel. Make a list and write them down.
What are you really good at that you can never remember learning. (The answer is talent!)
What is your “natural market” or natural place to be where you are energized?
Weaknesses
Identify the things you don’t do well. Be honest and write them down
What do you really struggle with that can be remediated?
What should avoid in your search? (Which things tend to deplete you?)
Opportunities
What sort of geographical freedom can be obtained by working hybrid or remote?
Where have people in your network gone, as they may know the quality of your work?
What have friends been after you to do that you have been ignoring?
Threats
What has your analysis of near term cash flow needs shown you?
Where can you economize on in the near term to maintain some predictability?
What internal or external forces are present that need resolution for you to proceed?
What to Expect When Working with an Out Placement Agency
Many companies offer professional outplacement support for laid off workers. This is a good thing
for a number of reasons. Chief among them is most outplacement career coaches come from a background in human resources, recruiting and management.
They are usually very experienced at helping people think their way through the next steps. Below are some of the things you can expect an outplacement agency to help you with to jumpstart your transition. They are likely to help you with:
- One-on-one career coaching
- Resume writing and review
- Job interview preparation and practice
- Career interests and skills assessments
- Job searching tools
- Pay negotiation training
- Networking advice
- Offering encouragement
- Offering candid feedback
- Tools to help you succeed
Congratulations! Well done. You are on your way to an exciting new chapter in your career!
So, do you feel lucky…?
