It's happening all over Canada. Thousands in
the Federal Public Service and hundreds in
each provincial jurisdiction have to face
the prospect of losing their jobs. Attempts
to balance budgets or reduce deficits are
displacing large numbers of civil servants,
and while we can recognize the economic
realities of government, this does little to
cushion the blows, if we are among those
pushed out of the nest. In this article, we
present some information for those that are,
or will be experiencing the loss on their
economic stability and social supports.
Common
Reactions
Those informed of the
loss of their jobs tend to go through some
definable stages in adapting to the change.
The first responses denial, a feeling of
unreality shock and disbelief. While you may
realize that the event is going to occur, it
is difficult to grasp in its entirety. In
some cases people will respond by expecting
that it won't happen...that something will
come along to "save" them. Regardless of the
degree of denial, many people simply won't
be able to imagine what life will be like
with different routines, and different
economic realities.
After the initial stage
of denial comes anger. Anger towards those
that made layoff decisions is common. But
anger is not logical or rational, and can
take the form of more diffuse anger towards
many people including co-workers, family and
government in general. During this period
(and also the denial stage), it is difficult
for people to accomplish anything
constructive, since angry thoughts tend to
intrude, interfering with clear planning and
action.
The third stage is
acceptance, where one realizes that the
layoff is going to occur. While you may not
be happy about the change, you begin to move
towards constructive action rather than
being overwhelmed by negative thoughts and
feelings. You begin to envision your new
life, and its details.
The fourth stage is
commitment--the period in which you can be
most productive in taking control of your
life, and focusing on the future.
Other reactions that is
common:
Several points need to be
made about these common reactions.
First, these reactions
are normal. We all experience, in some
degree, these kinds of reactions. What
differs, however, is the strength of the
emotional reactions, and the speed with
which we move from non-constructive
reactions to constructive ones. So, in a
sense, we are the same in some ways, but
individual in others.
Second, it is also normal
to be fearful, throughout all stages. The
uncertainty that exists naturally causes us
to worry a great deal. And with fear comes
anger, and a sense of losing control over
one's life. Fear and anger will not be
limited to the anger stage, but may
continue, in lesser degrees, even after you
have settled into a new job or new life.
Suggestions
for Early Survival
A central part of coping
constructively with a layoff is that you
need to strive to maintain a sense of
control over your life. After all, your life
has been changed by decisions made by
others-- decision often made without your
consent or involvement. What you need to
consider is that you have a choice. You can
be overwhelmed and paralyzed by the change,
or you can grab bull by the horns, and do
things that will help you change the
situation, and move on. When you choose to
TAKE control, you will gain control.
When you are layed off,
one of the first things you need to do is
examine your financial situation. Look at
your resources and expenses, and look for
ways to cut your expenses. As early as
possible you want to develop an economic
survival plan that will buy you as much time
as possible. But, don't panic. Try to
address your financial situation as problem
solving. Develop an economic plan. The more
"breathing room" you create in terms of your
finances, the more confident you will feel.
Second things to remember
is that you NEED support from others through
the initial period. While some people choose
to keep their reactions bottled up, you
don't want to become a pressure cooker,
keeping your feelings inside, until you
burst. Again, keep in mind that each person
is different. Some people need to talk about
the layoff while others are better letting
off a little steam here and there. Use your
knowledge about your self to determine what
is in your best interest. Be willing to take
advantage of any counseling opportunities
that are offered, but also be aware that
counselors vary in terms of their expertise
and professionalism. If you talk to a
counselor, and you find it ineffective, feel
free to find someone else that can help you.
If you are offered the
opportunity for training or seminars on job
searches or career development, take
advantage of them. Even if you don't feel
like going, you will benefit by picking up
some tips you may find useful, and by having
contact with others in the same situation.
The latter is important because it will help
you realize that there are others "in the
same boat", and having similar reactions.
Moving From
Negative to Positive
Once you are out of your
former workplace, your goals are to develop
a sense of control over your life, and to
keep some sense of normalcy. Giving yourself
a "month off" before you start moving
forward may not be a good idea, since it
will be difficult to get things going again
after your "vacation".
Perhaps the most
important thing is to develop a constructive
and useful routine. For people who have
worked for many years, the old
routine/schedule of work has become familiar
and comforting. With this routine gone, you
must create a new one.
It is important to set
daily goals regarding job searches and
social contact. Each evening, take a few
minutes to plan your next day, just as if
you were working. Make your daily goals
achievable (e.g. updating your resume,
sending out x letters, making x phone
calls). Don't set yourself up for failure by
being too demanding, but also don't set your
goals so they will require only limited
effort. Keep to your daily schedule as if it
was a job schedule, and be aware that you
may develop great rationalizations to
support procrastinating or other avoidance
tactics. The less you accomplish, the worse
you will feel.
Your mindset is going to
help or hinder you. One of the best things
you can say to yourself is: "I need to focus
my energy on what I CAN control, not on what
is beyond my control". Focus on what you CAN
do, not on what you can't. Remember that
control over your own life comes from
attending to the details, each and every
day. Your chances of finding new employment
will be a function of your doing the daily
job search activities, each and every day.
And this is something you can do. Fire off
your resumes, and make phone calls every
day. Don't worry about them afterwards, but
move on to the next task. Don't send a
resume, and then stop until you hear back.
Just keep going.
Believe it or not, losing
a job offers an opportunity. Now may be a
good time to examine your career and
financial goals to determine whether you
want to make a major change. For example,
you may decide that you would prefer to
strike out on your own, with your own
business, or you may decide you want to
secure a job that is in a different field,
but uses your existing skills. Who knows,
you may decide you want to relocate to a
different city! Now is the time to consider
ALL possibilities. Keep an open mind, and
don't rule out any without careful research
and consideration.
Read and learn. If you
haven't been on the job market for some
time, your resume, interviewing, and job
search skills may be a bit rusty. Take
advantage of local libraries...most have
extensive collections on these subjects. By
continuing to learn,
you will help your self-esteem, and feel
more confident.
Key Points
-
Your reactions to job
loss will include anger, fear and
confusion. This is NORMAL particularly
at the beginning. Your goal is to move
away from these reactions by focusing on
the future, and taking control of your
own life. If you find yourself unable to
do so, consider counseling as an option.
Don't let depression or inaction set in.
-
Having a routine is
important. Set daily goals, and go after
them. Don't let yourself gradually sink
into depression through inaction.
-
Focus on what you can
control, not what you can't.
-
Keep an open mind and
consider any and all career options.
This is an opportunity to re-examine
your goals.
-
Keep learning.
-
Don't close yourself
off from emotional support. At some
points, talking to others can help you
move from negative to positive, and can
reduce your sense of isolation.
Post your comments at
amin@aiminlines.co.th
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