I have to admit that reading the newspapers these days and watching the live news can really be depressing. Everywhere we turn, there is daunting news about thousands and thousands of layoffs - at this point, everyone has been impacted directly or indirectly by the increasing decline in the economy.
Recently, I had the opportunity to lead a two-day outplacement workshop for a group of ten employees who will lose their jobs in about two weeks.
Being highly sensitive to their situation, I cautiously entered workshop - however, I was pleasantly surprised. These employees recognized the importance of looking ahead, arming themselves with the right kind of information and resources, and developing a solid plan and strategy to move forward.
Layoffs are happening and from what the economic reports are saying, they will continue to occur for the next few months. What is your personal bailout plan?
The loss of employment brings so much emotional, mental, and spiritual baggage that can often prevent us from moving forward even in critical situations. While there is no quick fix or magic remedy to correct the situation, many resources exist that can give you comfort and step-by-step strategies for rebounding success.
Over at Quintcareers, they have put together Layoff Tutorial for candidates who have been fired, downsized or laid off. It is very comprehensive in outlining signs to look for if you are currently employed; steps to prepare for a layoff; and effective strategies to employ once you become laid off.
I am not trying to be pessimistic or scare you into a panic, but you can never be "too" prepared. Other resources that address surviving a layoff include:
Six Steps To Protect Yourself And Your Income
There is an excellent blog hosted through the Wall Street Journal called Laid Off and Looking that follows several senior professionals and executives through their job search journey. Often, just talking about your experience, the high's and the low's can make a huge difference.
