How often do the following words strike fear into an employee’s heart…words like “layoff”, “reorganization” or “restructuring”? The very thought of any of those things can send chills down the spine of any hardened employee. It is not often that both a company and all of its employees would be joyous and in agreement about the decision, irrespective of the size of the company. One should consider layoffs as an activity for the betterment of the company and its employees. It is a process that the company has the authority to make the final decision on behalf of and benefit to its remaining employees. These decisions, while always difficult ones, might not be make everyone happy nor will everyone agree with.

Consider this real world example: a large family consisting of 4 or 5 members, even before layoff, making decision is a difficult undertaking. Where to vacation. What X-mas gifts to buy. What upgrades the house or apartment needs. Trading in the family vehicle. Compromises will be made at every corner. Things become exponentially more difficult when it comes to company decisions. Some employees will love their idea, others will loathe it. According to George Bernard Shaw, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” People are resistant to change, because that will upend everything they know and have trust in. A layoff is a huge change. At first, it looks insurmountable. Eventually, it becomes tolerable. In the end, you grow from it

As an employee, how can you be prepared and ready, both emotionally and fiscally when it happens? First, it will not be easy, but I have assembled a few things that might help during the transition. As almost everyone who becomes affected by a layoff, they will eventually find another job or do something else they like. Most importantly, they will learn to appreciate the fact that it happened once they can look back at it in a more positive light. For some, a new job or career will happen quite fast. For others, much time might go by before an adequate paycheck can be found again.

Below, I have put together four different areas you might wish to consider taking control of for yourself. It worked for me. I am hoping by sharing, it can help others in need, too.

Self-funded Layoff Account

Suggests accumulating reserves of at least six months’ pay (one calendar year is even better). Never use it for any other purpose, unless you plan to retire. The mere thought of having those savings and severance (if provided by an employer in a few cases) gives the employee fiscal strength and confidence needed for future planning. This way, you can completely focus on the goal of your next job, assignment, business, franchise or adventure since your monthly financial commitments/responsibilities are taken care of without interruption or a second thought during the unemployment period.

Negative Emotions, Feelings of Grief or Stress

As human beings, without a doubt, everyone affected by a layoff will go through a gamut of emotions and feelings filled with stress, which cannot be avoided. Losing a job is akin to losing a loved one, in some cases. For most of us, our jobs are much more than just a way to make a living. It is how we live. A job influences how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Gainful employment gives a person purpose and meaning. Without purpose or meaning, we have no structure.

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the world to the “Five Stages of Grief” back in 1969. At first, these stages were based on Kübler-Ross’ studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness. With the loss of a loved one, a devastating break-up or the loss of a job, people have attached the stages in dealing with their own feelings of grief. These stages are as follows:

• Denial: “I cannot believe this is happening!”
• Anger: “What did I do to deserve this? This is so unfair!”
• Bargaining: “If you get me my job back, I will do anything!”
• Depression: “I just want to stay in bed…forever!”
• Acceptance: “I am finally at peace with the situation.”

You might go through one, two or all of them. It’s normal.

Instead, I suggest the following options to lift your spirits and cleanse your soul and rejuvenate you:

• Vacation – To a place you alone wanted to go with a very small budget to relax and reassess your priorities (Vegas is not allowed! And you should not hinder your layoff recovery budget!)
• Stress Release – Go sand-bag boxing, places offering adults to break household items (Yes! They do exist. Check out this link: http://www.tantrumsllc.com or http://www.angerroom.com) or driving heavy duty Caterpillar machinery to crush cars, etc. Basically, breaking stuff helps to release stress and anxiety. Just make sure it’s not your stuff, or someone else’s. Choose a company that indulges the possibility to break stuff!
• Hobby or Dream – Go join a course which is not expensive and non-technical and that is offered at adult school such as painting, dancing, singing, music, sports, writing etc. for little distraction and fulfill any childhood dreams.
• Cry – Lock yourself in a room alone and let it out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting the tears flow. It’s actually quite therapeutic.

Ask yourself the Right Questions

• Would you treat a resignation vs a layoff the same way?
• Why and how long did you work for your company?
• What did you achieve during the time you were employed?
• What are your specific areas of development?
• What additional skills are needed to be acquired in order to make career progression or to compete with others?
• Don’t ask yourself “why me?” or “Why was I affected and not someone else?” Since I know you will still ask, you need to respond to yourself in a positive fashion:
  • You were too good to keep and maintain.
  • Limited head count in the new organization or company; plan/direction going forward
  • The company thinks you can survive with ease so setting you free is the best option since you are groomed and ready to be grabbed by other companies.

Other Essentials

• Moral support given by your immediate family at home, friends and colleagues is very critical.
• Take some time when making important decisions when going through emotions or while under pressure.
• Networking (LinkedIn!) crucial – Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you have not spoken to or corresponded with for an extended period, since we all tend to drop off the map once we get into a regular life routine. Might be we can make small changes to incorporate going forward by either getting help or helping someone else find their next job. I am a firm believer in Karma. Help given is/or returned to you when you least expect it.
• Take good care of yourself by eating healthy and working out – do not neglect yourself. You will need to be at your absolute best, both physically and emotionally, during this time.

I sincerely hope no one has to go through this, but good luck to everyone who has to since I strongly believe the experience and change that comes with it is a special moment once you overcome the situation. I hope the tools and options I outlined above will help. This is not the end of the world; this is the beginning of a new life. A new path. You are in the driver’s seat. You decide where to go from here. With the right mindset, that path can be anywhere you want.

Please share any other techniques you have or actions you took that helped you during your own transition. Everyone would love to hear about it, especially me, and many others could benefit as well. You are helping someone out there…anonymously. Someone who really needs a helping hand through this difficult time.