How to Turn a Layoff Into an Opportunity

Six Ways to Take Advantage of Being Laid Off

Jul 13, 2009 Elizabeth Harrington

Losing a job is emotionally and financially stressful, especially during a recession. But leaving may be better than staying, and in the end, lead to a better outcome.

There's reason to believe that a layoff may be better than keeping a stressful job and waiting for the other shoe to drop. In a March 10, 2009 Time article "Is it Less Stressful to Get Laid Off Than Stay On?", author Eben Harrell cites surprising findings from research conducted by Brandon Burchell, a Cambridge sociologist.

The research shows that the mental state of those who perpetually worry about losing their job continues to deteriorate, whereas the mental state of those who are let go does not; after a period of about 6 months, it even begins to improve.

That’s small comfort to those who have just been laid off. But, assuming one has the means to get by for awhile, there are ways to not only survive a layoff, but flourish from it. Here are some of them:

Accept Change as a Positive

In other words, go with it! Change is one of the hardest parts of being laid off. Uncharted territory is always scary and can lead to depression. But it can be stimulating and empowering as well, even if it means weathering the blues. After years of commuting to the same office and doing the same job day after day, many forget whole aspects of themselves that have been closed off. Shaking things up can unleash old passions and a re-engagement in life itself. Even when job loss leads to depression, depression canoverMany times, Even though being laid off is not by choice, reaping the possible rewards of change is.

Get in Shape Physically, Emotionally and Financially

Losing a job means more time to get in shape. Yoga and meditation relieve stress and let the mind do some of the work on its own. Working out, walking, running, or other such activities help get the endorphins flowing (leading to feelings of optimism), and make mind and body more alert. But don't stop there. Prepare to travel "light" by shedding as much debt as possible, cleaning out the closet, throwing out junk, and other “clearing” activities that pave the way for something fresh and new.

Think Skillsets, Not Just Jobs

People are not defined by their jobs anymore, but by what they can do. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are effective tools for finding a job (Twitter recently added Twittermyjobs to help in this regard). But don't just use it to find a job like the old one. Take advantage of the sites to stimulate ideas about how to find something better. Maybe the old job was too people-oriented, or didn't allow for creative thought. Now is the time to consider how to satisfy needs for a more fulfilling work experience.

Consider a Career Change

Maybe it was time for it, anyway. Even without a recession, pursuing more than one career is more prevalent now than it used to be. For those who have considered it, a career counselor or career coach can offer advice and support. Institutes such as Johnson O'Connor or Myer Briggs suggest careers that are ideal for people based on their personality type, interests, and aptitudes. Finding the right career is not always easy, and may require thinking outside the box. Follow this link for an example of a career choice that seems wrong on the surface but may actually be a great fit.

Start a New Business.

This may sound counterintuitive during a recession, but according to Vanessa Richardson, in her June 30, 2009 article on Bankrate.com entitled "Starting a Business in a Recession," it may be a "great" idea. She cites examples of successful companies such as General Electric that were started during the depression, and mentions a report by the the Small Business Administration of a 25% increase of visits this year compared to last. Given the current recession economy, it's better to pick an industry that doesn't require significant capital to get started, and allows for a slow build.

Create a Blog, Possibly as a Way to Make Money

According to the April 21, 2009 Wall Street Journal article by Mark Penn, "America's Newest Profession: Bloggers For Hire," almost as many people make their living blogging as there are lawyers. If a blog is created for business use, it needs to be maintained on a fairly regular basis in order to retain followers. See an example of someone who blogs for money and the fun of it. Of course, blogs can also simply be a journal about hobbies or events in one's life; writing a blog may also offer distraction from feelings of despair. Don't know the first thing about it? Go here to learn how to start a blog.

The first step in coping with a layoff is to realize that losing one’s job is not the end of the world. In fact, it may be better than being on tenterhooks for an extended time. Those who work in fear of losing their job will, over time, suffer more as a result. Those who are laid off face fear, too, in the form of change. But they are free to choose what to do with that change: submit to it, or use it to choose a new path and a journey to something better.

The copyright of the article How to Turn a Layoff Into an Opportunity in Career Advice is owned by Elizabeth Harrington. Permission to republish How to Turn a Layoff Into an Opportunity in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Jul 13, 2009 10:27 PM

Guest :

I have not been laid off, but I have been furloughed. Like your article says, we're under stress and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Thanks for the tips on the positive side of being laid off.

Jul 30, 2009 3:29 PM

Guest :

I've been providing executive management outsourcing to new entrepreneurs for nearly seven years. Over that period i have been engaged by a variety of companies for a variety of management functions. This year, 2009, have been the most difficult for such work. I am currently without work. New entrepreneurs are suffering in this economy also because investors are so affraid of what the next few years future could bring to the US economy (or the lack there of).

There is no secret or magic, you just need to decide to go find work. What work is available may not suit your long term. But i encourage you to stay ingaged in the market. When you are engaged, things happen.

Aug 22, 2009 2:58 PM

Guest :

I wasn't laid off. I retired to keep from getting laid off! I agree with the statements about starting a business and about blogging. It is during recessaions that millionaires are made. Why? Because people have to come up with a way to live when the usual sources of income have been cut off. I like to bake so I'm about to launch ReRumCakes.com. (Re for retirement, Rum because they are rum cakes using 100 proof rum.) I like writing so I have a couple of blogs up and am working on another one, which will also be a book.

Best wishes for those who are looking for work. It is not easy, even in a good economy. Looking for work is a fulltime job in itself. While looking, also look within at what gifts and talents you have. You may have been using some of these gifts on the job you just left.

Remember your passion is your purpose.

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