How to deal with an unexpected layoff
As a professional in the HR area, I can assure you that one of the most difficult tasks is a layoff, regardless of the cause. It is inevitable not to put yourself in the shoes of the employee who is losing his job and to empathize with his personal situation.
The circumstances in which a job layoff can occur are multiple, but undoubtedly the most difficult to manage are those that are unexpected by the worker.
Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the worker: you talk to the Human Resources team and you find out that they are not going to renew your contract, your performance has been very good according to what they have told you, but the company strategy has taken an unexpected turn and unfortunately, due to an issue unrelated to your performance, you are not included in the renovations. This hits you like a bucket of cold water, in a month and a half you won’t have a job.
The company has always been excellent with you and you hope that your departure will be with a gold tray in hand, and unfortunately apart from supporting you with contacts, letters and some initiatives that seem good to you, they cannot give you more than that.
It’s the first time this has happened to you, so it’s a new process, but what now?
You are upset and the environment turns negative. This moment is the most important. It is time that you focus your efforts on what you want for your new professional stage and attract your ideal job.
Here are some tips that I consider valuable and can help you a layoff in the best way:
Tip 1: Don’t take anything personal
Note: Tip 0 would be to always remember to read your contract and make an appropriate action plan.
Taking things personal, fighting with your employer, and thinking about all the “ifs” doesn’t help. The past is an apprenticeship and questioning what would have happened if you have worked more hours or thinking like the one who stayed got this, and how unfair it seems to you, does not add to your next step.
Tip 2: Have your moment to suffer the loss
Yes, do whatever it takes to cry or get angry or curl up, but set a deadline so that suffering ends. For that you must close, say goodbye, leave things as you would have liked to receive them. Be grateful for the good things that happened and do not take anything with you but the knowledge and learning, you are taking more than you think. Give this closure to yourself, always be the best person and the best professional.
Tip 3: Get to work
It is your moment to dream, and why not enjoy this stage, set a schedule, be your own boss, set goals, congratulate yourself on achievements (networking, meetings, applications, recruitment processes).
Do not be frustrated if a door closes. Do not be discouraged, the process is yours, but you cannot control the time it takes, patience and a lot of good humor.
Remember that the final decision of where you are going to work is 100% yours, you can dream of working anywhere, you can question where you want, what is best for you and based on that, choose.
Tip 4: Support network
A network of relief, of catharsis, of support is necessary.
Your allies in this process may vary. But you must be able to count on them because this roller coaster is going to need a good coffee, conversation, company and sometimes beer.
Tip 5: Let go, seek your well-being and learn new things
It is your moment to take care of yourself. Looking for work and being in this relocation process did not take an ounce of value from your body, but it wears you down, it tires you. Let go of the negative, look for methods that serve you so that the effect of releasing what traps you is really effective.
Do activities that give you peace and energy, clean, fix, paint, breathe, walk, dance, take that course you always wanted.
Definitely, many of us need a job, but happily there are many possibilities to generate income and with effort and drive you can achieve your professional goals and your dream job.
Remember that it was only a job, and that this is your life, which is important and for which you must fight above all so that it is full, full of well-being and happiness.
