With any impending layoff notice at work, usually, there is a typical emotional cycle that most people experience during any serious and life-altering change. This cycle includes denial, anger, frustration, and eventually adaptation. Whilst it is normal to feel all of these emotions, it’s also important to derive ways of dealing with the change in order to minimise the feeling of hopelessness. The most pragmatic way to deal with layoff notice at work is to get prepared. It’s important to be smart and quickly get prepared for a better opportunity.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, “During January 2001 through December 2003 period, 5.3 million workers were displaced from jobs they held for at least 3 years. More than one-third of these jobs were within manufacturing. Although there were a number of reasons, call it downsizing, right-sizing or re-engineering, it all equates to the same thing: job loss.
The Bureau of Labour Statistics also says the average number of “spells of unemployment” for late-born boomers (born between 1957 and 1964) from age 18 to 38 is 4.8.
Most shocking of all is that within this study a little more than 4 out of 10 people were notified in advance of their being laid off. That means 60 per cent were let go without warning.
The truth is, even if you currently feel secure in your job, here’s a sobering thought – because of forces beyond your control, you could be hit with an unexpected layoff notice at work at almost any moment.
See 12 Steps for Dealing with Redundancy
Dealing with Layoff Notice at Work
Many people closely identify themselves by what they do for a living. Consequently, when the job is taken away, they can easily lose track of who they are. They can easily let a range of emotional issues surface and engulf them. Unfortunately, it’s easy for us all to panic as news of impending layoffs notice at work fly around in our offices. Anger, fear and confusion can cloud our final days. However, these final days are better spent on preserving one’s professional reputation and contacting possible future employers.
So, aim to banish any bridge-burning attitude or negative self-talk, instead, get prepared by taking these 7 steps as laid out below. Being proactive and pragmatic can alleviate most paralysing emotional issues and get you on the right track to a new beginning.
These are a number of practical ways to prepare for an impending layoff notice at work:
1. Get informed, know the facts and your entitlements
See Employee Rights when Your Job is Terminated
See Lay-offs and Short Time Working
2. Get bold, carve out a ‘YOU Inc’ brand and prepare to market it before layoff notice at work.
See 6 Ways to Effectively Brand Yourself
See the First Step to Building Your Personal Brand
See Build a Personal Brand, Not Just a Career
See Know Your Skills, They Are Your Prime Selling Points
3. Get prepared, have your core CV ready:
See Free CV/Resume Example Template
See Your CV Deserves a Trip to the Gym: Know How?
4. Be savvy, get your finances in order as soon as there is a layoff notice at work
See Beat Recession Advice #2: Cut your expenses, save money and conserve cash
See Financial Help and advice (UK)
5. Get friendly, network like there’s no tomorrow
See Social Media and the Hiring Process
6. Get organised once they’ve given you a layoff notice at work, apply for jobs while still employed
See Need a Job? See 30 Sure-Fire Tips
See Top 100 Blog Articles That Every Job Seeker Should Read
7. Get fired up and prepare for job interviews
See Interview Questions and Answers
See 12 Stress-Busting Tips for Job Interviews
See Smash the Interview and Get Hired
See How To Ace The 50 Most Common Interview Questions
The best way to look at a job loss is to consider the positive implications of the situation rather than focus on the loss itself. Take the time to make some great changes in your life. When you know of an impending layoff at work, decide to learn new skills, switch careers or industries or perhaps consider relocating. Look forward to a new beginning and your next opportunity. Frankly, you never know what doors this turn of events may open for you.
How else can one prepare for an impending layoff notice at work? Let’s hear from you, add your comments below.
