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Dealing with Job Loss

Reprinted with permission from the STC Intercom magazine - November 2001 Volume 48, Issue 9.

I recently saw yet another newspaper article about the layoffs expected in technology companies. In 2000, I was laid off twice within two months, and I am still technically unemployed.

Losing a job is one of the five most stressful life changes you can experience. After my last layoff, I felt as if someone had pulled the rug out from underneath me. To help ease my anxiety, I asked some friends and colleagues for advice on how they dealt with the process. Their suggestions helped me to better survey my options and to establish an immediate course of action.

Understanding the Stages of Loss

It's normal to feel overwhelmed, disoriented, or just plain scared on losing a job. According to journalist Linda Formichelli, you're likely to go through stages of loss after a layoff similar to those you experience after losing a loved one: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. Recognizing these stages will help you get back on your feet more quickly.

Getting What's Coming to You

Even though your head may be spinning, make sure you ask your employer about severance pay, vacation pay, medical insurance, and so on. If the employer does not offer you any of these, try to negotiate some. Technical communicator Connie Hieatt recommends taking advantage of absolutely everything the company offers you in a severance package. Her former employer provided such items as career transition workshops, psychological counseling, health benefits, and severance pay. Initially, Connie was too upset and proud to participate in any of these programs, but she is glad that she eventually did use them all. She is now happily employed with DigiKnow, a creative marketing technology firm.

Recovering Gracefully

As with any loss, there will be a recovery period. Feelings of anger or sadness may last weeks--or months. Give yourself time to grieve the loss, and express your feelings in healthy ways so they will pass more quickly.

Finding Support

The day I was laid off, I started networking to find both a new full-time job and some contract work so I could pay my immediate bills. But the process can be daunting. It's very important to have a support system--friends or family members who can motivate you to jump back on the horse. My friend, Kimm Nordman, and I both suffered layoffs at the same time, so we agreed to be each other's support and motivation. I cannot tell you how many hours we spent on the phone sympathizing with each other and brainstorming ideas to find work.

Technical communicator Winnie Ma established a weekly lunch appointment with couple of her ex-colleagues who were also laid off. Winnie found it helped her to know that others were in the same boat.

Staying Motivated

Keeping grounded is key. Going to the gym two or three times a week helps me to deal with a lot of stress. Winnie told me that after getting laid off, she established a firm daily routine that really helped her stay in focus.

After Mary Guilbert lost a business through the illegal doings of her partner, she spent six or seven months learning HTML and other Web-related skills. She has now been creating Web sites successfully for four years. She says that "Self-motivation, to me, is rooted in discipline. I have a schedule for beginning work and stick to it. Following the business tragedy, I soon discovered that only I could change the situation, so I better get busy. I stay motivated because we like to eat."

Jennifer Laycock was laid off two weeks after returning from her honeymoon. She says, "To anyone else facing the same situation, I'd really stress that this is a learning experience that you'd never have if it wasn't forced upon you. Learn how to manage your money and simplify your life. Find out just how much you CAN do without, without really missing it. Use the time to get yourself back in shape, catch up on sleep, catch up with friends and family. Spend some time volunteering...it not only picks up your spirits and your resume, it makes a difference in someone else's life."

Volunteering, formal classes, and exercising at the gym are excellent ways to build structure into your days--and may provide that important lead to the next job.

Networking

I have always advocated networking-that's how I found my last two full-time jobs and all of my contract work. Connie Hieatt's network group really helped in her job search. She went to lunch with people several times a week, and she called or e-mailed several people a day. And now that she has a new job, Connie still maintains all her network contacts. She says, "I don't ever want to be caught in that position [laid off] again. But if I am, I've got a good core group of contacts there to help me."

Look for opportunities to network in your area. Events I've attended in the Columbus, Ohio, area have been sponsored by such groups as Network Professional Inc., Digital Cocktail, and Big Fish Networking Social. I also attend meetings of several professional groups. Some of the technology-oriented groups in my area include DigitalEve Columbus and Webgrrls International. Check to see if the latter group has chapters in your area--men are welcome, too. Both groups have listservs you might find helpful. Visit various groups and join those with which you feel comfortable. It only takes one lead or personal contact to help you land your next job.

Other articles with networking tips:

• Nine Tips for Building Your Business at Networking Events by Cynthia D'Amour
• Secrets of Effective Networking

Looking for a New Job: Recruiters, Resources, Research

Laura J. Connair, president of Guerrilla Recruitment Strategies in Columbus, Ohio, says that "Losing a job no longer carries the same stigma that it did twenty years ago. Don't take it personally. It's happened to almost everyone I know. At this point, staying at one company [without being promoted or changing positions] for a really long time backfires, because it means you are not challenging yourself or taking risks."

You can begin your job search by building a relationship with a recruiter who is well respected in your industry. Find one by asking your friends whom they use or by asking companies that you respect for referrals. Good recruiters have the following characteristics: They are honest with you but sensitive to your feelings; they can refer you to someone who specializes in your field; they learn about what's important to you so they can make the best match; and they tell you about the pros--and the cons--of the companies they work with. But don't expect them to rewrite your resume or to be your support group. Work with no more than two good recruiters. If companies get your resumes from multiple recruiters, you look desperate.

Most employment Web sites have sections for the Internet industry. Check out Monster.com and computerjobs.com, among others.

Research salary rates. Companies want employees who are confident, happy, and have an accurate sense of their own worth, because that's the message that will get transmitted to their customers. Companies also respect people who have researched the rates for positions through industry contacts, professional associations, and through such Web sites as Salary.com and Wageweb.com. (Keep in mind that, although Internet salary surveys provide a nice starting point, their numbers may occasionally be too high, because they may not reflect salary rates at small companies, nonprofits, or in specialized industries.)

Interviewing Tips

Practice interviewing. Video- or audiotape yourself to see if you appear polished and professional, yet friendly.

Be confident. Don't start off an interview by saying "I'm unemployed" or "I've been laid off and I'm looking for a job." Statements like these make people nervous. Say "I've been a successful ____ for ____ years. Most recently, I was with ____, but I left when they (restructured, went out of business, lost a contract). I've decided that, since I really enjoyed that position, I'm looking for a similar one" (or "I've decided that, since I didn't enjoy it, I'm looking for ____"). Read industry publications and work information about the company or industry trends into the interview.

Look at the interview from the company's perspective: If you were the hiring manager, what would you want to hear? But don't lie. A lie will backfire every time! Even if company personnel don't find out, you'll have to live with the guilt and may end up in a position that's not a good fit. Have faith that things will work out eventually.

Always have a BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Have a back-up plan if a particular offering doesn't meet your needs. Also, know which points you can be flexible on and which are non-negotiable. If the position isn't for you, say so gracefully.

Other articles with tips:

• Impress Hiring Managers with Executive 'Presence' - Show 'em your positive aura: Project an image of confidence during job interviews. It's often evaluated equally to you!
• Take This Job and Love It - Some advice: Don't depend on networking. Don't worry about gaps in your resume. And if you have a good job, be grateful.

Finding the Silver Lining

Whenever I meet a serious challenge, I write out a list of everything that I am grateful for. This has helped me put my job loss into perspective. I have never cared much for corporate culture and its games. I much prefer dealing directly with contractors and clients. Sure, I miss the steady paychecks, but I get a great deal of satisfaction putting up sites for clients who are really happy with my work.

Carol Ater has been laid off three times. After the last time, she returned to school for her degree and completely changed careers. She says that one thing most people need to realize is that every time a door closes a new one opens--and most of the time, the result is even better.

With any loss, it may be hard to find the silver lining. But losing a job can be the best thing that could happen to you--and me.

Related articles

• Diving into the Wonderful World of Web

References
Formichelli, Linda. "Dealing With Job Loss--Make the Best of your Financial and Emotional Rebound." MSN
Richardson, Cheryl. "Getting Over the Job-Loss Blues." Good Housekeeping (August 2001).
Yate, Martin John. Knock 'Em Dead 2001: The Ultimate Job-Seeker's Resource With Great Answers to Over 2000 Tough Interview Questions. Adams Media Corporation, 2000.

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