Even if your company announces that layoffs are coming, most people still have a hard time thinking their number will get chosen. According to the washingtonpost.com, over 33 million Americans have found themselves laid off and out of a job in 2020. If you’re the first person in your network to go through a layoff, your feelings of being overwhelmed, angry, and afraid might leave you floundering and wondering where to start. Undoubtedly this is not an experience you’ve ever prepared for, and it may feel career ending, but let us assure you, you can get through this too. Start with the five suggestions we make here to get through this unexpected and unwelcome situation.
Request a Laid Off Letter from HR
What’s the difference between being laid off and fired, and why does it matter? As explained by themuse.com, “..If you’re being laid off, you may be told there’s been a reduction in workforce, or that your position is being eliminated, changed, or has become redundant (as a result of a merger or acquisition, for example). If you’re being fired, expect to hear that it’s based on your inability to do the job or that your behavior was considered inappropriate or dishonest.”
Getting a “lay off” letter from HR will allow you to use it in any sort of interview situation or as an explanation about your status as a free agent. Being laid off is easier to explain than being fired so make sure you get that documentation if possible.
Ask About Your 401k & Benefits
Don’t walk out the doors of your company without understanding what’s happening to your 401k, what is happening with your benefits, along with the key dates you need to know to make decisions. Click here to read about the 9 financial moves Forbes.com says you need to make if you’ve been laid off.
Process Your Feelings
As explained by artofwellbeing.com, “As emotions go unseen, they often manifest as a profound restlessness, a non-specific anxiety. We get further and further lost from ourselves, which can make us feel sad about everything.”
If you don’t have a lot of experience working through your emotions and favor stuffing or sidestepping emotions to maintain a sense of control over things that are out of your control, you’re setting yourself up for some long term challenges. Here’s a guide to help you start your emotional journey and working through what has happened to you. Once you’re in a stable enough place to start talking about where you’re at, you could try addressing your situation with a statement like: “My company closed its office. I am actively looking and networking. I am not ready to talk about my search at length but will keep you updated. I appreciate your concern.”
Don’t Make Any Drastic Changes
Resist the temptation to do anything super drastic. Even a new haircut during this time might not be the best idea. You’ll be more inclined to knee-jerk reactions, and not take a nuanced approach to thinking things all the way through. Your emotions are likely driving your decisions right now, and you are more inclined to do something out of the norm that you might regret later in an effort to temporarily make yourself feel better.
Call Your Mentor or Trusted Confidant
Part of processing your feelings can include a call to your trusted mentor or confidant. He or she can help you sort out what happened to you, figure out what your next step should be, and assist you in crafting a strategy to find your next opportunity. Your mentor or confidant will likely urge you to get your recommendation letters spruced up, and offer advice on how to reach out to your network with news of your latest job status. This is not the time to “go it alone.” If offered, take any and all assistance your mentor or confidant suggests. Whether it comes in the form of emotional support, resume review, or introduction to persons in their network, accept it with gratitude and promise to repay their kindness whenever you can.
If you find yourself in good company with the over 33 million Americans who have been laid off this year, while it’s not ideal, it’s not career ending. Don’t make any drastic changes, get a lay off letter from HR, understand your benefits, process your emotions, and phone a friend or mentor to give you the things you need to make it through this challenge.