Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A Layoff Can Open Up New Chapter

By : Carole Khancier

When Ken noticed that management in his telecommunications company was not supporting his work, he updated his resume and started approaching other telecommunications organizations. A month after he was laid off, Ken accepted the new position of international marketing development manager with a competing company.

Ken is smart. He’s what I call a ‘Quester.’ Questers will prevail in any job market because they take charge of their own careers. Questers periodically reevaluate their career and life goals, are optimistic, resilient, confident, and take planned risks to follow their hearts.

Ken advises others to manage their own careers and not to wait for the layoff notice. "Be aware of what’s happening in your company. You can often see the signs coming," he suggests. Signs may include lack of support, exclusion from important meetings or new projects, and office rumors about potential mergers or layoffs.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job search time is now 20 weeks. The average spell of unemployment in February 2009 was longest for individuals age 55 and over (23 weeks). In contrast, people under age 35 took about 17 weeks to find new employment. It takes mature individuals longer to find jobs because they may still face subtle and not-so-subtle age discrimination. Mature workers usually find their expertise more valued by mid-sized or smaller companies.

Regardless of age or job field, individuals who have positive attitudes, work hard and follow their hearts, usually come out ahead. A job crisis provides them with a stronger sense of self, greater control of their careers, and opportunities to pursue dreams that offer personal and professional satisfaction.

If you lose your job, here are some important steps you should take to get your life and career back on track.

Understand the five emotional stages that dismissed employees go through: shock and disbelief; anxiety; anger and blame; acceptance and the exploration of new possibilities; and commitment to a course of action.

Accept the fact that you lost the job. Do not lie about it to yourself, your friends or your family. Their support, information sources and referrals are crucial.

Get your feelings out. Discuss your concerns, fears and plans with a family member or a close friend. Write about the situation and explore questions you wish to address. Join a support group for people who are facing the same challenge. Regular meetings provide opportunities to ventilate anger, generate ideas, network, and receive encouragement and positive feedback. If necessary, seek help from a reputable counselor.

Schedule quiet time to think and reassess. Reevaluate what you really want to do with the rest of your life. Seek solitude and quiet times; enjoy nature, meditate, listen to relaxing music or write in a journal.

Identify your financial status and concerns and develop a budget. A budget should take into account your net worth, monthly cash flow and job search expenses. Learn to live on less. Get a part-time survival job. Work as a sales clerk or waiter to bring money in. Register with temp agencies.

Live in the present. Don’t spend time worrying. Instead, deal with the present. Do one thing each day to help you move toward your career goal.

Develop a healthy lifestyle. This will help you begin the renewal process. Eat healthy, get enough sleep and reduce alcohol intake.

Acquire decision-making and job search skills. Know yourself and your career options. Know how to set and attain career goals and where to find advice and assistance on job search and marketing techniques. There are many excellent resources available in your library and on the Internet. A career counselor is most helpful. Many large companies offer outplacement counseling.

Consider self employment. The number of small businesses is increasing, and small firms create most of the new jobs. As people find themselves unemployed, unable to find desirable work, or stifled by government or corporate bureaucracies, many carve out their own niches. Creative people who plan well, spend wisely and work hard, do very well.
The number of small businesses is increasing, and small firms create most of the new jobs. As people find themselves unemployed, unable to find desirable work, or stifled by government or corporate bureaucracies, many carve out their own niches. Creative people who plan well, spend wisely and work hard, do very well.

Maintain optimism. Positive thinking is powerful. Your attitude about yourself and your situation will determine how others see you. Watch your ‘self talk.’ Keep a log to track the negatives you think or say. Each time you catch yourself thinking something negative, replace it with a positive thought. Read inspirational books, listen to positive message cassettes and associate with positive, supportive people. Look for and expect good things to happen.

Rather than signifying the end of your job, a pink slip can signal happy new beginnings for your career. Personal dreams, long put off, can now be pursued.

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