Richman: Use carpenter’s rule to maintain dignity after layoff
Richman: Use carpenter’s rule to maintain dignity after layoff
The scenario: People are getting laid off here every few months. Despite management’s assurance that the last time was the last time, it keeps happening. I’ve seen folks take it badly. I understand why, and I’m embarrassed for them and the company. I don’t want to go that way. I want to leave like a class act, but I don’t want to trade my dignity for a bad deal. What’s my best strategy?
The carpenter’s rule is to measure twice, cut once. Translation: Think before you act. Anticipate possibilities, consider consequences and plan for outcomes. Write down the questions you have, which might include the following: Will I get good references? Is there a severance package? If so, how much will payments be, how often will I receive them and for how long? Will my insurance continue? How much will COBRA cost each month? Are there other health insurance options? Will I get unemployment benefits? What is the process for applying?
• Stay cool. If you’re asked to sign a release or agreement, hold onto it for a few days and review it with those whose objectivity and experience can help you see what you might otherwise miss. You’ll have questions, so ask them.
• Stay calm. As much as you might want to bargain for your job or tell the whole bunch where they can go, don’t. It’s a small world. You’ll likely see these folks again, in another company, where you are working for them or them for you.
• Leave the door open for project work, referrals or a future re-hire. But that conversation, should you want to have it, is best left for another day. On this day, stay centered, remember to breathe, refer to your notes and take notes because it will be hard to remember anything that’s said unless you do.
• In the first hours after you leave, call the ones you love. Tell them you’re OK, you understand your obligations, you need time to regroup before you begin your search, and you will get another job. Then stop making calls. There’s time for that later. Right now, go home. Watch “Oprah.” “Dr. Phil.” The Weather Channel.
• Vent. It helps to blow off steam, but vent where it’s safe, where you won’t harm yourself or anyone around you. Venting helps you. It doesn’t help people on the receiving end unless they invite your excess and you both understand how to manage it so it doesn’t change a job problem into an interpersonal problem.
It takes time to regain your balance. While you’re waiting, get some things done: Update your resume, list your networking contacts and identify your references.
Make calls to your network when you have a firm grip on what you do well and the kinds of jobs you do best. Interview when you no longer fear that you’ll rant about what happened and when you’re focused forward on what you want to achieve and the job you do well.
Remember the carpenter’s rule. Think before you act. You will see the same people many times and in many places in the days and years to come. If you’d like them to hire you, recommend you, network with you and communicate with you, treat yourself and them with dignity.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2.
