10 Tips for Surviving Layoffs, Corporate Downsizing and Other Employment Crises

Unfortunately, layoffs, corporate downsizing, and other organizational changes often mean bad things can and do happen to good employees. Sadly, it’s a reality of work life whether you work for non-profit or for profit organizations. So, if you believe that a pink slip is in your near future, below are some things you can do while you are still employed.

Take a look at your current finances to determine how much money is coming in, as well as going out. To avoid budget shock during the trying times ahead, sign up for a “budget plan” for those bills that seasonally fluctuate like heat and electricity. Budget plans equalize your payments so that you’ll know what you will need to pay every month. Any variance in your bill is credited back to you at the end of the year. Budget plans can be beneficial during flourishing economic times as well.

Take care of things or repair items that you may have been putting off doing. For example, if you need new tires or a tune-up, do them now. You’ll need your car for routine transportation needs, and to go on interviews.

Determine what things are necessary to your family’s survival and what may be reduced or cut temporarily. While cable or satellite service is nice to have, food is a necessity. Re-purpose items or make ‘do’ instead of replacing things at this time.

Put out job ‘feelers’. Talk to business contacts or individuals in your industry at other companies to see if they may be aware of current or future opportunities. Remember, discrete inquiries are best during times of uncertainty.

Human resources experts also suggest that employees request a letter of recommendation from their supervisor before leaving. Once you’ve gone, obtaining one is often difficult.

If you’ve already been laid off, there are still things that you can do.

First, apply for unemployment benefits immediately. In addition, unemployment offices also offer classes that help you to upgrade skills such as various computer programs. This will help you to feel like you are doing everything you can to maximize your job search. Utilize all resources available to you.

Losing one’s job or livelihood is challenging on many levels. Thus, it is often difficult not to take a job loss personally. Before accepting my current position, I was laid off from a position that I’d held for almost eleven years when my research funding eventually ran out. It doesn’t matter whether you know that a lay-off is imminent as I did, (as I managed the departmental budgets), or whether your job demise comes out of the blue, the emotional fallout is the same.

So, allow yourself to grieve your loss by commiserating with people whom love you. I admit it — I hosted a pity party — complete with hat for a few days before getting myself into gear and starting my new job search.

Surrounding yourself with family and friends and allowing them to help during this time is essential. When I was laid off, friends called often to see how I was. Some invited me to lunch. Another time a long-time friend invited me to help select the catering menu when one of his daughters was planning her wedding. Not only did this lift my spirits, I also enjoyed some great company and great food.

Let everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Remember being laid off isn’t a personal affront to you, your job performance, or skills. Alas, many folks have or may be in your situation before they retire permanently from the workforce.

Treat yourself from time to time. Dollar Stores are great for inexpensive household items and treats. Buying something as simple as your favorite chewing gum helps to re-create some sense of normality in less than normal times or circumstances.

Finally, keep communication open within your family. Talk to your spouse about your strategy and objectives. Let your children know that while times are tough right now, that they will get better. Reiterate that by banding together that you will weather the challenges ahead.


Carol Gee

Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 26 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training,) and a contributor to the baby boomer book, Age Smart-Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Midlife and Beyond. Carol is a recipient of the Center for Women’s 2009 Unsung Heroine Award for recognition of her dedication to issues that affect women at Emory or in the larger community.
www.venuschronicles.net
venuschronicles@aol.com