It Will Be Alright: 10 Expert Tips for Surviving a Layoff
Drawing from her own experience, Kathryn Rose explains how to watch out for your own best interests.
August 19, 2022
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You can ask for other terms. They may say, “it’s the policy” and that everyone gets X amount of severance or something similar. But you can ask for more or extended benefits or whatever else you need. They may not do it, but this is the time to ask.
Read each document carefully. If you can, have an attorney read it. The agreement may contain provisions such as barring you from saying anything negative about the company or a noncompete that you may not be comfortable with. This is a legally binding document. Be sure to read it carefully.
Don’t get sucked into immediately shifting to “job hunting mode.” Take time to grieve. Even though the layoff had nothing to do with anything you did, it can still feel personal. Take the time to step away and get some much-needed perspective.
Anyone you have known in your past might be able to help you. Even if you haven’t spoken to them in a long time, you’ll be surprised how many people will be happy to hear from you — and happy to help you in your search.
This is particularly important if you haven’t done this for a long time. This isn’t your grandpa’s resume. Things are very different — and continuing to change. You will benefit from professional advice.
When I got laid off years ago, I took free coding classes and they formed the foundation for my tech startup today. There are countless online options available now. Take advantage of them to learn new things or add to your professional skill set.
Introduce yourself to the speakers and other attendees. You never know who will be there or what opportunities you may uncover.
It may seem bleak. But many people right now are in the same boat. Find others, network with them, offer to help them and they will help you
Giving back is a great way to stay occupied while you look for a new opportunity. And giving back feels good!
Of course if you have expertise to offer you can join an expert network where you can get paid for your time while you are in job-search mode. (I happen to know one or two and you can hit me up, but that’s not the point of this article.)
No matter how things look for you right now, remember that every day the sun rises on opportunity. You just have to be open to it and ready for it.
No matter how things look for you right now, remember that every day the sun rises on opportunity. You just have to be open to it and ready for it.
By Kathryn Rose
Kathryn Rose
I’ve noticed a lot of articles on Channel Futures about layoffs. And I’m seeing a great deal of LinkedIn posts by those who have been let go from their jobs. As someone who has been there, I want to tell you sincerely how sorry I am that you are going through this. But I do know that all will be well.
Keep up with our telecom-IT layoff tracker to see which companies are cutting jobs and the ensuing channel impact. |
You may not believe that now, but when you’re on the other side of it, you will see what I mean. In the interim here are some of my best tips for not only surviving but bouncing back from a layoff.
Click through the gallery above and check them out. I hope they help.
Kathryn Rose is an innovator, and the founding CEO of award-winning global expert marketplaces (getWise, channelWise) that provide business owners and professionals in targeted markets, access to thousands of vetted executives, coaches/mentors, education and resources that accelerate business or career growth. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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