| AFTER LAYOFF, ASK CAREER QUESTIONS |
Some companies call it a "layoff," others refer to it as "downsizing"
or reengineering". Whatever the label, the result is the same.
Employees involved in corporate staff-cuts must deal with the shock
pain that accompanies losing a job. It is common for these workers to ask basic questions such
as "What did I do wrong?" "What will I do for a living?" "What am I
going to do for that car payment?" or "What I tell my family and
friends?"
For the purposes of a job search, these
questions must be put aside. Instead, a worker should focus on learning
about what assistance the company offers during the first days after a
layoff.
Some businesses provide help through outplacement
firms or career management consultants. Others offer resume writing
clinics and networking opportunities. Still others may provide job
listings or contact other firms in the field.
Take full advantage of all help available including information and career workshops.
If
no assistance is offered, the worker should keep the job search process
moving forward by using this time constructively - examining personal
career goals, assessing skills, weighing educational needs or goals,
and exploring all possible career options.
It is a waste
of time to wonder what went wrong or mope around the house asking, "Why
me?" These feelings are natural, and should be addressed with the help
of friends and family. The most important thing is to work through
these feelings and look toward the future.
Personal
reminders of self-worth also are an important part of the adjustment
after losing a job. Spending time reliving "horror stories" or focusing
anger at a former employer will sabotage self-esteem.
Use this time for productive activities. List the answers to probing questions such as:
- What is the ideal job?
- What are my personal strengths and how do they relate to the "ideal job?"
- How can I use these strengths as transferable skills -and how can skills be of value to the next employer?
- Are there any roadblocks to actually finding and wining that ideal job?
Review
the list several times. Then, use the answers as a starting point. Do
not panic and take the first job that comes along. Focus attention on
the action required. Use all energies and resources to plan a timeline
and develop a network to implement a job-search plan.
Time
spent worrying about the circumstances of a job loss won't help landing
"the perfect job." View the transition time as an opportunity for
personal and professional growth. Think of it as a positive investment
that ultimately will yield professional rewards.
Pat
Goodwin, CPC, is senior vice president with Reedie-York &
Associates, a career transition management firm and affiliate of the
Texas Association of Personnel Consultants and the National Association
of Personnel Services.
Published in Houston Chronicle
Pat Goodwin, CPC
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