How to Bounce Back After a Job Layoff
Strategies to Control a Career After Termination of Employment
Jobs are being slashed all over the world, and the effect is being felt globally from Industrialized nations to developing countries. "The recession is killing jobs at an alarming pace..... More pink slips, pay freezes and other hits are expected to slam workers in the months ahead as companies desperately look for ways to survive. The unemployment rate, now at a 16-year high of 7.2 percent, could hit 10 percent or higher later this year or early next year, under some analysts' projections". Job-killing Recession racks up more layoff victims - Jeanine Aversa, The Associated Press 9.13 p.m. January 26, 2009
Being in position where a layoff is forced upon a person can be a painful, humiliating and very stressful experience. A job loss can devastate a person's feelings of self-esteem which is worsened by the worry of income, security, sense of identity and status. The employee is often left feeling inadequate or depressed and also has to deal with a profound sense of loss or anger at perceived wrongs. What bounce-back strategies can help?
Talk About Feelings and Get Support
Talking to people who have been through a career change or layoff or considering counseling sessions is a good start to the healing process. Being honest about feelings, including anger and resentment to do with this forced career change and working through these negative emotions will help in moving forward.
Confidence can be boosted by speaking with people who valued any previous work and who can be a reminder of past strengths in a previous job. Layoffs happen to almost everyone at some point in a career, often more than once.
Compile a Portfolio of Previous Work Records
Include a brief resume, detailed CV and evidence to support records such as references, thank-you letters or e-mails, key-performance appraisals and or other pertinent records. Make the portfolio relevant for each individual interview.
Work Out a Wish List
Do not panic into rushing off to any old job interview in the hope of securing the first job that comes up. Evaluate previous work conditions that were undesirable, such as long hours, monotonous routine or demanding schedule and take the time to figure out preferable options.
A good wish list will ensure a more articulate and positive presentation at any future interviews and will help one to feel like the layoff could possibly be a career change.
Renew Old Contacts
Begin networking. This is one of the most effective ways to keep abreast of current job opportunities and any new trends in the job market. Talking to everyone from ex-colleagues to friends to former clients and networking effectively will open up more opportunities.
Use a Multi-Strategy Approach to Search for Jobs
Register with employment agencies, post a CV on the Internet, search for latest jobs on a daily basis, research the feasibility of becoming self-employed in a specific field of expertise, hand a card out to friends or ex-colleagues, respond to advertisements in newspapers or on the web. The more pro-active one is, the more likely one is to be successful in finding a new job and feeling less helpless about the layoff.
Get Assistance For Re-Training Benefits or Financial Benefits
Help of this nature varies from country to country. Research what help and unemployment benefits are available in one's own country. In the USA, for example, the U.S. Trade Adjustment Assistance Program is available to those who have lost their job or faced reduced work hours or wages. Taking advantage of any scheme offered by the government will help in moving forward and up-skilling.
To bounce back from a layoff and successfully move forward is to manage change positively. Taking time out, channeling energy positively, advancing positively could mean that a job loss may be the start of a whole new positive chapter in one's life.
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