Post-Layoff Action Plan: Pick Up & Move On

I’ve been fielding many inquiries of late from members of the media – all related to stories they are doing about our business climate of increased job loss and a horrific economy – and how those who weren’t laid off can cope with the guilt of “survival.”

This week, a magazine asked me how I’d respond to this scenario: Someone calls. Mid-level executive. He's been laid off. What are the first three things you say?

Here’s my reply:

The number one thing I’d ask him is why would anyone hire him? In other words, what does he bring to the table?

The next thing I’d find out is if he has identified his skill set, his passion, and his overall objectives for any future jobs.

Lastly, I would discuss his network – can he go back to his internal, professional and/or community network, to make contact with people in these areas and tap into his connections?

Unfortunately, too often, people wait until something happens before they realize the power of building networks.

Another question the writer posed concerned the psychological effects of being laid off in a poor economy. She wanted to know whether it makes it better or worse, psychologically, if there seems to be a sense that “everyone” is getting fired.

I believe that the old adage that misery loves company doesn’t hold water. It’s one thing when everyone else is being laid off. It’s quite another when it happens to you.

Many people take it personally and go through a period of mourning and anger. Most people are scared. Depending on their financial situation, they might go into crisis mode.

This is not a time to feel sorry for yourself, although a weekend of self-pity and reflection doesn’t hurt. Then, get moving!

It is time to assess your skill set, your network, your possibilities, and then have a focused -- yet flexible -- approach to landing another position.

Being laid off can affect one’s self esteem, family relationships, financial security, and lead to “victimitis” -- feelings of having no control.

You may need to reassess your options, possibly moving, return to school, consider new certifications, starting your own business, and looking at interim or part-time positions.

Therapy is also an option if you have the insurance and/or money to do it. The worse thing that you can do is nothing.

You can combat a layoff’s effects by doing something – taking action.

I’m referring to attending networking events, job fairs, registering on career web sites, reading and responding to want ads, volunteering, contacting your own network, exercising, eating well, and renting some funny movies.

Attending a professional development seminar is a good way to meet people, get some career-related coaching and techniques for moving forward.

You may want to consider attending BRODY’s BOOST Camp.

Keep in mind, successful people look for ways to get better.

Sometimes, a setback is an opportunity to switch direction. Life must go on!

Power of Positive Self-Talk

Those who know me well have heard me refer to the children’s book The Little Engine That Could. This timeless book teaches children the value of optimism.

I think adults should be required to read this book again and again as they reach every decade of their lives … at each milestone birthday -- 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and so on.

Why? Because as we go through life’s many ups and downs, the message the little engine shares – “I think I can. I think I can.” -- is priceless.

We can do it, no matter what obstacles we may face. We will make it through, we will survive, we will pick up the pieces, and go on.

Sure, it can be hard to rebound from the pain of a lost loved one, being fired or laid off – but don’t let it drag you down in despair forever.

It’s OK to be sad, to grieve, to allow yourself a moment of frustration or pain. But then, pick yourself up, shake it off, and start planning for the future again.

Then, you, too, can be like the little engine and congratulate yourself by saying, “I thought I could, I thought I could.”