I've Just Been Laid Off - Now What?

by Zee Johnson, Olive Tree Associates - All Rights Reserved

Figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that while the nation’s unemployment rate is 6.0 and climbing, the unemployment situation is worse for African Americans.    With companies downsizing, relocating and changing strategic directions, reinventing yourself is a must.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

• Be proactive.  Look at current trends in your company and in your industry. If you see that other similar companies are outsourcing, downsizing, etc., explore other options including additional training, career changes, etc.

• Be in the midst.  Don’t put your head in the sand, citing that “I don’t want to know.” The more information you become aware of “ahead” of time, the better you can prepare yourself and your family.

• Start to get prepared. Modify your spending habits. Re-evaluate your actual needs vs. wants.  Reduce wastefulness.  (Turn off those lights when not needed!!) Contact/negotiate with creditors.  Recognize your vulnerabilities, including family relationships. Don’t use this as an opportunity to create adversity or control.  Be willing to listen to others and to compromise!!

• Update resume/Explore feelers and NETWORK. Review prior work/performance reviews to assess your strengths and likes.  Start talking to others who may be aware of openings either currently or in the future.  Use contacts and networks of people you know.  Remember--let people know that you are looking for new opportunities.  You cannot be assisted if no one knows that you are considering other options.

REMAIN NORMAL--

Do’s and Don’ts.

For one’s mental well-being:

DO      Stay focused, positive and prioritize

DO      Cry, (if you are one who feels better after crying)

DO      Listen to music

DO      Poetry, reading, writing

DO      Engage in spiritual outreach

For one’s physical well-being

DO      Eat healthy

DO      Exercise/Other(s)

DO      Stress Reducers

• Do not become a couch potato or become vulnerable to unhealthy choices.(i.e. overeating, alcohol consumption, unnecessary shopping, etc).

• Do not wait around for your “unemployment check” or  delay job seeking. You can miss an opportunity if you are watching “All My Children” episodes.  Additionally, the job market is constantly changing, and if you wait to re-enter too long, future employers may perceive that “there’s an employability problem with you or your skills.”

• Do not start uncontrollable internet job searches.  Some jobs are “real” and some are not. Be careful of the information you send to the “web”.

Be ready for possibilities. If you want to pursue another established company, research the job, department, company, etc. thoroughly. Convey what “you” can offer the company, not what the company can offer you. Remember we are now in an employer’s market and the job-seeking environment is saturated with many excellent workers. Also consider temporary, part-time or volunteer work. It is easier to find a job if you have a job.  Do not limit yourself to just Springfield, MA. If you need to travel a few extra miles, be willing to do so (if possible).

If you’ve had a dream of starting your own business, do more than dream.  Seek small business resources that are available such as the Mason Square Business Resource Center.  If you are unable to secure a job, “make your own job or career.”  Many entrepreneurs in Springfield, Massachusetts did just that!!  To name a few, Andrea Skeene of ANS Online Connections, Icie B. Jones of Jones Realty, Desiree Parker of Dejeri’s Flowers, Cards and Natural Goods are utilizing their talents by providing a valuable service to the community.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR EFFORTS--KEEP TRYING. 

Work through the “pity party,” but then get up and go off to find or create that opportunity.  Many people have used their “laid off status” as an opportunity to use their skills in areas that had not been considered previously.  You can do the same!!