GETTING LAID OFF
Layoff is the temporary suspension or permanent termination of employment of an employee or a group of employees for business reasons, such as when certain positions are no longer needed or when a business slow-down occurs. When a company eliminates jobs regardless of how good the employees' performance. Layoff is done when the company is facing financial difficulties.
It hurts to hear the words "Your services are not needed anymore. Please pack up your personal belongings and you will be escorted out of the building." Often the people leading these changes are not very sensitive to the fact that you are a human being and you have been loyal to this company!
There are ways you can prepare before you get laid-off - keeping in mind that it's important to remember that your job is not as secure as you think it is. There are also steps you can take to help get through a layoff, and even ways to use a layoff to your advantage.
How To Handle A Lay Off
1. Don’t get too emotional
The workplace is not a good place to express this disappointment and upset. Such reactions might be mistaken or misunderstood. It’s also best not to burn bridges, no matter how bitter or upset you may feel in the moment. You may need references from your manager or supervisor, and want to keep in touch with coworkers you’re close to. Ask for personal email addresses and act calmly, no matter how you may feel inside.
2. Get complete information
Sometimes we forget to listen or to get all the information we need. Is there a benefits package I get to leave with? Employers generally provide the information in a letter form as well, and your HR personnel can answer any followup questions you may have via email or phone. The key is to remember that the more details you have, the easier it’ll be to answer others.
3. Balance your finances and budget
Take a realistic look at your finances and budget, and see how long an unemployment benefits are going to last you. Whatever you do, do not put this off longer than a week. While we may not enjoy dealing with our finances, failure to do so could result in a far worse situation
4. Start searching for a new job
Nearly all job recruitments are now online, so searching through them is very easy . Jobs sometimes become available as people retire, or a company’s focus changes. Extend your search somewhat outside your profession as well, just to see what else might be available.
5. Don’t Give Up Hope
It is very important to remain optimistic. A pessimistic attitude can easily turn into full-blown depression when job hunting, especially in a down economy when hundreds of companies are laying off hundreds of thousands of workers. It’s a tough market to be looking for a job, of that there is no doubt. However, people who stand out in such markets usually can find a way to bounce back.
