By Paul Schoenfeld
Everett Clinic
During the dark days of 2007-09, thousands of adults lost their jobs. It was a hard time for many families. It was painful losing a job and it was hard to find a new one. Employees who were retained felt both guilt and relief that they still had a job. Frequently, they were expected to pick up the slack left by departing workers. They were just grateful that they still had a job.
But even in good times, many industries go through cycles of expansion and contraction. While aircraft employees know that this is fact of life in their industry, it is still disruptive when it happens. While it may be expected, especially by more recent hires, no one is prepared for the shock of receiving a pink slip.
At the same time, it’s harder for companies to simply raise prices to improve profitability. It’s become increasingly necessary to decrease costs—the biggest one being personnel. In our new global economic reality, work can be moved around the world in a nanosecond. New technology replaces old jobs. The internet can make brick and mortar obsolete. Companies hire individuals to work on projects and then they are let go. As a result, younger workers think nothing of jumping ship to pursue a better opportunity. There is often little sense of loyalty between organizations and employees. It’s a new world.
But how does this new world order impact workers? How can we think about our jobs? How do we cope with being downsized?
Here are some important points to consider.
Be realistic about today’s work environment. Don’t think that being loyal, competent or senior ensures that you will have the same job tomorrow. Change happens more rapidly today than ever before. New industries rise up in months, with new ideas and ways of doing things. These births require employees with a wide range of skills and knowledge. Don’t be afraid to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge.
Sure, organizational politics do matter. But who you know and who knows you can change too. Better to depend on your own capacity for growth, creativity, and hard work.
Create value today. You’ve already been compensated for your past accomplishments. In today’s economy, we can’t rest on our laurels.
Foresight is better than hindsight. To some degree, we are all self-employed, whether we work for a large company or not. Make sure your resume is up to date, stay current on social media sites (like LinkedIn), keep your eye out for opportunities, stay in touch with your network of contacts, and look ahead in your industry.
As we live and work longer, adults may have several different careers and vocations. Perhaps this is a time to consider new possibilities, while you already have a job. Build a cushion of savings.
Remember—great hockey players are where the puck will be, not where it is.
If you do get laid off, expect to be in shock for a few weeks, even if you thought you might lose your job. Be prepared to have a full range of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, and hurt. It may take you several weeks to get focused. It is normal to feel discouraged, and possibly depressed. It’s also likely to take losing your job personally, as a reflection of your worth or value. Most often, it is simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Use local resources. If you have been a long-term employee, try to negotiate a severance package. You will most likely be eligible for unemployment insurance. The area community colleges have vocational services. Look for support groups and resources.
Loss of a job is painful and challenging, but it also can open up new opportunities.
Dr. Paul Schoenfeld is director of The Everett Clinic’s Center for Behavioral Health, for which he writes the Family Talk Blog.
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