The Upside of a Layoff

Is a layoff / downsizing / reduction in force / termination always a bad thing?

We think so because we may not have enough savings for the amount of time it takes to get a new job that we like. Maybe you're barely making it with your current income and outgo.

If you're like me - you're single - and YOU are all you have. I'm also a consultant (like more of our workforce) and unemployment doesn't apply to me. My independent insurance plan is expensive, even for modest coverage. Looking for work (either full time or consulting) takes time and resources. I leaned on my friends and family which does not go well for an independent minded person.

I was let go from a chaotic, ego driven and political environment several months ago. My friends and even a co-worker worried about my health. I was attacked about my opinions and input and forced out of a role I was good at and enjoyed doing. But I knew it was ultimately not a bad thing to be out of that situation regardless how it happened. When I heard the words "they're eliminating your position" (for a mission critical role) - I said "ok, fine".

I took a month to totally chill. I took 2 more months to study for and pass a new certification. I passively looked for work and wasn't liking what I was finding too much. At about month 3 - I started feeling physically and emotionally stronger and I vowed not to let myself get in that level of employment turmoil again. I would not work for someone who was unsupportive of me - of someone who was so blind to the quality I bring to the workplace.

At about month 4 - I had a feeling that I would need to be patient and that good things were beginning to come to the surface. I began following some career experts on Linkedin (David Perry, Guerrilla Marketing for the Job Search) and through my friend Nina Price who is a life & career coach, health and wellness practitioner and licensed massage therapist (http://www.ninaprice.com/) who is very connected to burn-out and mid-life career strategies. I started to trust my intuition a bit more and be less afraid of making changes to be more employable.

Call it letting go - call it truely engaging - call it timing - by mid-month 5, I was feeling more confident in my interviewing and helping 15 other friends and family with their searches. I accepted 1 of 3 offers for contract work and am now involved in a contract role I believe will bring some long-term marketability to my portfolio.

I have read about others who feared the dreaded "pink slip" or even firing and opened their mind to something they really wanted to do. It is painful because it means having no control and even leaning on others for a time. Results are empowering but you have to have the "go long" mentality. At 49 - I don't plan on retiring until I want so I am willing to change in order adapt to the work environment.

Follow some advice of Dory in Finding Nemo - "relax" and "just keep swimming". Even bad things can bring about good results. We learn and we thrive.

Come find me on Linked In - look at my groups - join them - lots of good career advice and even some jobs.