Handling a LayOff With Success

@John C. wow - thanks for the great comment. I hope that our readers will take the time to read through it and pick up some great advice. It is certainly true that, in today's job world, you do need to have at least 6 months salary saved - in the bank. Most of us can see when things are going south with the company we work for - sad time. If you haven't started planning prior to it, things are certainly going to be rough. I weathered a short-term storm a few years ago and it was not fun. We did the same thing - cut back on everything. Thankfully I was able to get a great job but the uncertainty of it all was really tough to handle. I have to agree that having a hobby helps when you are home 24/7. Depending upon the hobby, you might be able to turn it into a lucrative business or career. Another good tip to help out is to network. Get in touch with former coworkers and supervisors and let them know that you are looking. Keep in touch with coworkers from the company that just laid you off. Go to local networking events in your city. It is amazing how little we actually need in order to live a comfortable life. In my house, we started cutting back on things a few years ago and we continue to do so. We have been chopping away at bills and the mortgage and now are almost free. We really talk over any big purchases that we are considering - do we REALLY need it or is it a want? Amazing how that mind set will make you stop and think before plunking down that ATM or credit card. So thank you again and we wish you all the best with your business.

Laid off after 10 yrs with the company. Sounds like a common theme here. I'm in the oil & gas industry so I knew it was definitely a possibility that became a likelihood when the company was acquired early 2016. Although the above is good advice, you need to prepare NOW, while you have a job because there is a good possibility that you will burn through your severance before finding a new job. Two years ago, during the start of the turndown in the O&G industry, we met with a financial advisor who helped us tremendously so when the unthinkable happened we were prepared....somewhat. The old axiom is true and, yes, you really do need about 6 months of your current salary in the bank in order to weather the storm. If you don’t have it yet and feel the walls closing in, scale back everything and treat the goal like a project. Go with the basic cable/satellite package instead of the extras, cancel the newspaper, cut the maid and lawn service. Half the frequency of getting your haircut. Don’t buy new clothes (but have at least 2 current-style interview suits). Cut the frequency of eating out in half. No new car (pay off the one you have if you can). Netflix instead of movie theater. Buy no “nice to haves” but only “gotta haves”. You will be amazed at how quickly you can bank the money. With 2 kids in private school and a lifestyle that is “upper middle class but seen as rich by many”, it took me a while but between the severance, my consulting work and the chunk in the bank I’m probably good for about another 4 months before something drastic happens.

I’m fortunate because I have a good professional network. I incorporated the week after the layoff and had some clients straight away. It’s been a year now and, while I’m keeping the lights on with contract work, I still do not have a “full-time” in the traditional sense with benefits, etc. It could be the case that I start to build my client base up and make a go of it and never work in another company again. Too much uncertainty there although nothing is certain anymore but I think you know what I mean. Still too early to think like that so much of my effort these days is work, job-hunting and writing a novel (get a hobby because once your garage is clean and you are bored of watching TV you will drive yourself nuts). Stay busy, stay focused, become a miser (at least temporarily) and think of every new person with whom you come in contact as a potential job opportunity.

It's hard to follow that advice when you're laid off on a Friday afternoon with no notice and told that this is your last day. And you're given almost no severance after 10 years working for this same company. And it was right before the holidays when I already had time off scheduled with family and plans that could not be canceled or rescheduled. I feel like employers automatically look down on me because I am currently unemployed.

Thanks for the comments. @Zulema J thanks for that uplifting comment. It's great to have something to hold on to - the hope that tomorrow the Lord will guide you to your future. Hold on to that hope while you continue your job search. And good for you for doing great things for yourself while unemployed. Many unemployed just sit and wait and hope for that next great job instead of picking themselves up, dusting off and figuring out the next steps; of looking to take some continuing education to boost their skills or even to add new skills to their resume. @Tammy S - so sorry. There's really no way to fight something like this unless you have the money and time to hire a lawyer and fight it. But the bottom line is - you don't want that job. You don't want a job where you have to be on the defensive all of the time. You won't last there and could only make things worse by possibly getting fired. You have to let this go and move on. I know it's hard as I, too, have been in your shoes. It's hard but not impossible. You need to sit down and figure out what you are going to stay to a new hiring manager when asked why you left your previous position. You NEVER want to name call or speak negatively when it comes to your former company or coworkers/managers. When you can respond to that question without spitting it out because of anger, then you are ready to move on and get a new job. All the best on your next great adventure!

Yes, it can be shocking and everything else in between, but one's perspective going forward is what actually determines the rebound (if there is going to be one). It took me between March 2016 to December 2016 to come to terms with it though. It is easier said than done. I was at one place for 10+ years. I made the quality decision to recognize my chance to use this space and time to transition and reroute and redefine. That includes continued education, free professional development opportunities, reflections and assessments as to what else can/would I do now that I can. We didn't expect to be 'set free', but now that is our state of being. Choose to soar and not dive! Choose to explore and embrace this new journey! This is a new season. I've been encouraged by Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.
I am uncertain of all the nexts in my life but I am CERTAIN that He (the Lord) DOES know and is well able to direct me in the way that I should go.

same here I'm 49 got laid off and cant find a job anywhere especially what I was making before..so depressing

What about being fired for lies? There were 2 managers that had it in for me and so they wrote a letter to hr that was nothing but lies an everyone is listening to the new guy who has only been there about a month. The he would not even listen to me or allow me to confront the people who lied on me.

I was so shocked and devastated, hard to accept when I got laid off especially the reasons were not true and acceptable,, God is watching us, he has the way and good plans for everybody.

@James M. so sorry about the layoff. It can be tough moving forward after 18 years in one position. Everything in the job world has changed since you last job searched. Today everything is done by computers - from inputting your resume and cover letter to getting it all through the ATS and into the hands of the hiring manager. If you can help it, don't include a salary unless you get the option to say "negotiable". You have to be realistic also and realize that you may not find a position that was paying what your previous one paid. Having said that - have you tried contacting some former coworkers to find out if they have any open positions in their company? Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know. @Rick A the same for you. Contact former coworkers to see if they know of any management positions. I hate to say it but you may have to start at a lower level and work your way up if you are unable to find any middle management positions for which you are qualified. All the best.

Good to know that lay-offs are usually not the employees' fault. The challenge with those laid off with positions of middle management and above is that most of those positions are not advertised. So they are usually offered internally and through networks of friends/former colleagues, so the lead-time in finding those opportunities could be long.

When after 18 years you get laid off it does come as a shock. At 48 you realize that you are considered expensive by a lot of companies and they wont even give you a look. Hey man I need a job too.

After 39 years at the same job being laid off was very tough...much like losing your home and family. I managed to hold it together very calmly and spent the next couple of weeks in a state of anxiety and confusion. It's tough when you realize that at 63 you're going to be applying for the sAmerican jobs as cute 18 yr Olds but am pulling up my socks and getting out there!

Certainly something I have learned and cherish as one of the golden rules of the outstanding business relationship.