The ongoing economic down turn has hit every aspect of human life. The market is going down every day affecting the lives of every single person in the world. The condition has become so bad that even large, well-known organizations are closing down their offices. This has come as big blow affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people daily.
Closing Shop:
If they are not closing down their businesses, these companies are cutting down on their work resulting in many people losing their jobs. Either people have been fired or have been laid off by the companies.
A. Harrison Barnes, owner and creator of EmploymentCrossing.com, suggests that you do needn’t worry much about the situation. If you take some measures, the economic downturn would not hit you hard.
If you have recently been laid off or are expecting to be laid off, don’t panic. Turn this negative point into a positive one by thinking about it as a new start to your career and your life. According to A. Harrison Barnes, you just need to take some steps and work a little harder to help yourself in the long run.
Do an Honest SWOT analysis:
First, check the benefits that your company is entitled to give you when you quit. You should be aware of the employee rights so that you can know exactly where you stand. After this, you need to file for unemployment insurance. You should ask your employer for accumulated vacation, sick pay and, most importantly, for severance pay. You can negotiate for a good severance package. A. Harrison Barnes says you should try negotiating with your employer as there are few who can negotiate. So don’t let the chance go; you may be either benefit or get refused.
Also request your employer for information on health and life insurance benefits. You can even ask whether the company provides with outplacement resources. If they do, then it will help with your search for a new job and building a better career. Once all these are done, you can start your job search, says A. Harrison Barnes.
But make sure that you don’t spoil your relationship with your ex-employer. This may turn against your in the future. A. Harrison Barnes suggests that you should never bad mouth your ex-employer. This will leave a bad impression about you with the person you are discussing it with and may go against you at any interview.
Build a Positive Image: A. Harrison Barnes suggests that you should not even talk anything negative about yourself. Try talking about the positive career steps that you are planning to take. Even the people who are listening in may help you if you say something positive. They may help you by recommending you to any other firm. This will in effect increase your network in an unexpected way.
A. Harrison Barnes understands the trauma you undergo while dealing with a lay off. Do make sure that you have discussed it with your family and friends. Let them know what is going on in your life. They are your support system at this crucial period. Don’t feel shy to reveal the news of the lay off to them. If you suppress your feelings, it would not help your case. In fact, it will only increase your frustration and you won’t be able to focus on your job search.
Don’t jump into a job search before you are mentally prepared. Prepare yourselves against all setbacks before thinking of moving ahead.
