So you have been laid off…now what?

So you have been laid off……….now what?  We’ve all seen the list….the biggest stresses we can experience in life….loss of a loved one, serious illness….job loss.

The emotional impact of losing a job can be huge.  Whether you are  just starting your career with your first employer, or you are an experienced professional, you can be laid off and the experience can hit you like a brick wall.  The good news is, however, the emotional aftershock can be managed.

How?  First, respect your feelings.  Give yourself some time to deal with reality.  Take care of yourself , rest, spend time to gain support from family and friends.  The stress of this experience is significant and usually it starts before you are ever laid off.

Most employees know when their employer is in trouble and when layoffs are likely and   people react differently to the trouble signs.  Some try to “dodge the bullet” keeping their heads low or even “in the sand”, hoping to stay off the hit list.  Some actually start to job search, diverting their negative stress into positive action.  The fact is, anyone can be replaced and any job can be eliminated.  Companies will make the changes they feel they need to make to survive.  So, what can you do to prepare yourself and to insure a positive job search?  Here is some of the best advice I have heard.

Whether you are a recent grad, just starting your career, or an accomplished professional, think of yourself as a “contractor”, no matter who you work for.  Build the skill sets, knowledge and ability that you need to be successful and bring your “suitcase” full of talent with you to your employers.  If you lose your job, pack up your suitcase, stuffed with the new experience you gained, and peddle your talents to your next employer.

The days of twenty years with the same employer are pretty much over.  Three to five years with a company is accepted.  Things change quickly today.  The constant is that we view ourselves as professionals anchored in our chosen careers.  This is what makes us valuable. This gives us something uniquely ours that we can market to the next employer, and the next and the next.  No one can take this from you.

What have you found to be your greatest challenge in finding work?  What are you concerned about most?   Let’s talk, I can help you.