William Penn Life, 2002 (37. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
2002-01-01 / 1. szám
Surviving downsizing How to prepare for and handle the worst possible job news from adresnet, the website of the Administrative Resource Network Cutbacks. Downsize. Layoff. "We are going to have to let you go." These words can devastate your self esteem, ignite anger and evoke fear. They rank alongside "there's another woman," "I think you should sit down" and "it's all for the best" of the things you least want to hear. Unfortunately, many people have recently lost their jobs and now must face the task of finding new employment. The following tips outline the steps you can take to move forward with your career and maintain your self worth during the interim. It also contains some helpful pointers on how to stay prepared for the possibility that this could happen to you. THINGS TO DO WHEN LAID OFF 1. Eliminate barriers for you to receive unemployment and severance compensation. Get a record of your employment from your human resource office. Gather human resource contact information, which is especially important if your company is undergoing a major restructuring. Determine if your company will be offering any job referral assistance and request details of your severance package in writing. If you have been employed for a long period, or if the payout will be large, it may be beneficial to contact an attorney to review the severance documentation. 2. Request a letter of recommendation from your manager. This will be useful when you begin to look for a new position. It might also help to boost your self confidence. 3. Confirm your references. Approach friendly individuals at the company. Ask if you can use them as references as you perform your job search. 4. Avoid an immediate job search. Take one to two weeks to evaluate your situation. Ask yourself the following questions: What type of new position am I looking for? How does this fit in with my long term career goals? What type of company would I like to work for? What skills do I currently have? What new skills would I like to learn? Who are the potential employers in the area? 5. Review your financial situation. If you do nqt have a personal budget, prepare one. Do not radically alter your lifestyle, but defer non-essential spending. Make a list of what expenses must be met, such as mortgage, car payment, utilities, etc. Then, determine what your cash resources will be over the next six months. 6. Share the news. The single most important thing you should always do is to share the news with your spouse, family and anyone who is in your support circle. Do not try to carry this alone. Talk it out with friends and similarly situated co-workers. STAYING PREPARED 1. Learn what your company's policies are regarding layoffs. Review your employee handbook. Get to know your human resource staff because they can serve as valuable contacts to other resources in the event of a layoff. Also, investigate the availability of local job placement resources. 2. Keep a copy of your contact information at home. Regardless of the level of security you have in your current position, be prepared for any eventuality. 3. Update your resume regularly. This should be done at least once a year or any time you receive a promotion, undertake new job responsibilities or experience any change in your employment status. Make sure you add information about any honors, awards, educational degrees or certifications you have earned. 4. Prepare a personal budget. Yes, we covered this earlier, but this is a smart thing to do even if no layoff is imminent. (c) 2001 by Astoria Interactive Press. Money Links For more information about preparing for and handling a layoff, and for a list of resources to help you cope with the loss of your job, visit the website of the Administrative Resource Network at http:llwww.adresnet.coml laidoff.html 4 Wiliam bn» Life, January 2002
