What it means to be laid off and how to move forward after experiencing a layoff.
Being laid off can be an emotional experience. It requires you to balance logistics, such as your exit plan and any separation paperwork, while simultaneously managing the physical, mental, and emotional reactions commonly associated with job loss, such as sleep problems, increased stress levels, and shame [].
Although a layoff is generally considered an undesirable experience, there are some actions you can take to make the most of this transition and turn it into an opportunity to reassess your career goals. This article will discuss what to expect during a layoff and what to do if laid off.
If you were laid off, it means your employer terminated your employment. In other words, it means you were let go from your job. Layoffs are generally understood as the company鈥檚 fault鈥攄ue to shifting priorities or poor planning鈥攔ather than the individual experiencing the layoff.
Some common reasons for layoffs include:
Restructuring
Mergers and acquisitions
Economic downturn
Company closure or downsizing
Whether you were laid off, fired, or furloughed, you can expect that you won鈥檛 be returning to your job indefinitely or for a while. To know how you should move forward, it鈥檚 important to understand the differences between each term.
Layoffs and firings both tend to indicate indefinite termination. Whereas layoffs are typically understood as the employer's fault, firings are often seen as the employee鈥檚 fault. You may be fired as a result of disciplinary action or poor performance.
Furloughs, on the other hand, are temporary leaves due to company circumstances. Furloughed employees cannot work nor receive pay but may still receive company benefits, such as accruing holidays. After the furlough period, employers expect employees to return to their positions.
A company may furlough employees during economic downturns from which they expect to recover. For example, many companies furloughed employees during the widespread shutdowns at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once you鈥檙e past the flurry of layoff logistics, you鈥檒l have more space to focus on your present needs and future goals. Here are a few things you can do to move forward after being laid off:
Personal finances can be one of the most pressing stressors after a layoff. Since your financial situation is in flux, a new plan may help soothe some of those worries. Mapping out the funds available鈥攕uch as your final paycheck, severance pay, and savings鈥攁nd reorganising your budgets can give you a realistic picture of your needs moving forward.
Going through a layoff can feel like a sudden transition, and taking care of yourself during this significant life change is essential. Beyond your financial plan, pay attention to other immediate needs, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Developing new routines and engaging in self-care habits that align with this new phase can create the space you need to consider your next steps.
Some people use this transition as a reflection period. What do you value, and how can you express those values through your daily actions?
The period following a layoff can be a productive time to reconsider your career goals. What did you learn about yourself and your work preferences through your previous position? What would you like to do more of, and what would you like to leave behind? What outcomes would you like to see for yourself moving forward?
By targeting your job search with those answers in mind, you can turn this negative experience into a positive twist along your career journey. Here are some ways you can work toward your new career goals:
The period following a layoff could be a great time to pick up a new skill, especially if you may be interested in a career change. However, depending on your financial situation, you may want to invest only a little money into furthering your education. Fortunately, there are many online resources where you can learn new skills鈥攐r continue practicing old ones鈥攆or free. Check out these courses on 糖心vlog官网观看 and start learning today.
As you begin applying for jobs, you鈥檒l likely need an updated CV. You may also want to update your LinkedIn profile and prepare a personalised cover letter template to present your qualifications and accomplishments to potential employers.
You can talk to your peers and colleagues about your new goals while searching for a job. Your network can be a powerful tool during your job search. A former coworker may introduce you to your next boss or your friend who successfully transitioned into your desired industry and can offer tips on the certifications you may want to pursue. The more open you are about your goals, the more opportunities you create for people to help you.
As you move toward this next career phase, consider whether learning new skills or brushing up on old ones can help you succeed. Browse the most on 糖心vlog官网观看, or get job-ready with a from industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM.
Workplace Psychology. 鈥, https://workplacepsychology.wordpress.com/2018/12/03/layoffs-usually-dont-work-and-why-they-harm-more-than-help/.鈥 Accessed April 25, 2024.
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