Losing Your Job
From large international companies like Citigroup to smaller regional companies like Moroni Feed Co. in Utah to even smaller mom and pop employers, and even Starbucks, the list of layoffs is getting longer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employers took 1,626 mass layoff actions, resulting in almost 160,000 claims for unemployment in May. That reporting only includes large employers, so there are many more layoffs that aren't included in the statistics.
It happened to me once and I was woefully unprepared. I had just given my personal vehicle to my brother - I never expected to lose my company car without notice. My resume wasn't up-to-date and many of the people I worked with were laid-off at the same time, so it was difficult. The company gave us severance pay, which helped. I was able to collect unemployment and I found a new job relatively fast. I was lucky.
In the long run, it was a good thing. I probably would have stayed at the job I was in longer than I should have. Instead, I transitioned into a new career, which was a leap at the time, but the best career move I've ever made.
That said, it would have been a whole lot easier if I was prepared to job search. I should have had an up-to-date resume, references, and an idea about what the job market was like for someone with my skills and experience. We all should be well positioned, just in case we have to start a job search on short or no notice.
If you do lose your job, here’s how to handle a firing, layoff or termination, along with a job loss checklist you can use to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are ready to start a job search.
Image © Copyright Marek Slusarczyk
Comments
When I was downsized, that’s when I came on board to About.com, and I’ve had many other great writing and teaching gigs since then. There are a lot of lay offs going on in my area, so hopefully, those people are prepared or at least get back up on their feet quickly.
Working in the field of outplacement consulting/ career coaching, I’ve learned that for many people losing thie job is as painful, emotionally, as a divorce. The lost identity, income and place to go to work are significant. I’ve also watched those who diligently moved forward; worked as hard at finding a job as they did when they were working a job, are statistically the most successful.
For today’s job search, understanding the role the internet plays is vital. Alison’s book “Internet your Way to a new Job” gives an overview of the steps to follow.
Traumatic - - can be. Life-changing - - almost always.
I was laid off because of the housing slump a year ago…. I worked in management for the company and worked there 20 years. It hurt and I am still hurting from it…emotionally.. I landed a new job withing 2 months and actually made money because of the 6 month severance package I recieved. However, I’m heartbroken and was loyal… I know my story is not new…but I have struggled with it. It has ended many of my past work relationships at the company because of rumors made up about me… I love my new job…make less money… and I know it will get better some time. But it hurts to live just a few miles from the headquarters of the company that laid me off. I was laid off with 19 people during the phase I went thru. My ex boss thru me under the bus to keep his job and kept weaker people because they weren’t a threat to him. I wish I could punch her in the nose…. help!!