Suddenly Out of a Job

We are all bracing ourselves for massive job losses during this financial crisis, the worse since the Great Depression. This summer the auto layoffs, which were enormous before, will add up to the hundreds of thousands. Living in Michigan, at times Southeastern Michigan will feel like a ghost town.

Whether or not your own job is in jeopardy right now, you are probably well aware that at some point you may become a victim of downsizing. Even so being laid off is one of the most traumatic events we can experience, rated close behind the death of a spouse. The problem is many of us define ourselves by our jobs which is why we ask someone when we meet them, "What do you do?"

Here are some suggestions so that the loss of your job doesn't get the better of you.

Don't take it personally. We all want to be in control of our lives and many of us believe we can do it. You can't. We can't control the weather and things that happen to us which had nothing to do with what we've done or who we are. Getting laid off is one of those times. Your home being in the path of a tornado is another.

Get a recommendation in writing as quickly as possible. Tell your boss you'll write the draft and she can edit it. You can also ask you supervisor to send you a short email for a recommendation even a 2-sentence recommendation will do. Find out which phone number your boss wants to use for contact information.

Be a self promoter. Now is the very best time to stand up and believe in yourself. Ask yourself how can others benefit from your expertise if you don't get the words out?

These are just a few suggestions for you to keep in mind when you get laid off. You may also want to help your friends with these tips.

Let me know if you have other suggestions that will keep spirits up during these hard times. Just type your ideas in the Comment window.

To your success

Ruthan Brodsky

Comments

[Sudeep]

Hey ,
Just a thought , can we also start looking for plan A , plan B ... in regards to different job options i can take if got laid off...
Also good to build your resume now .. how about joining a part time course when you have a job, you can study part time and add on your qualification .
Regards
Sudeep

[Ruthan Brodsky]

Sudeep
Always a good idea to create alternative plans. As for the resume - I would create one that is basic - with all the info. Then you can customize it to job search. Ex: emphasize civic volunteer work or team player.
As for taking a class - I am a perpetual student so for me taking classes work. For others, take a class that focuses on one of your interests, hobbies. You never know when a hobby can become a business- or a job.
Thanks for your comment.
Ruthan

[DeAnna Troupe]

Find a group of positive people to surround yourself with. This is usually the time when you get to see who your real friends are. Don't be offended when people come up to you with job listings that don't match what you're looking for. Just smile and thank them for thinking about you. Most importantly keep your head held high. Just because you got let go from your job doesn't mean you are somehow less of a person.