Welcome to CB’s workplace advice column, Ask Avery, with Avery Francis, founder of workplace design consultancy To flourish. Each month, Francis will answer readers’ questions on topics that affect our ability to thrive in our jobs, offering his real-world insights on how to handle even the toughest puzzles. Do you have a job-related question? Send it to [email protected] with the subject “Ask Avery.”
Headlines around the world are sounding the alarm that a recession is imminent. As a result, companies, mostly tech companies that have been hit hard by a battered stock market, are fire people and rescinding job offers as they try to manage cash.
There’s even a website, Layoffs.for your information, which tracks layoffs globally at start-ups. As of early July, more than 300 workplaces have laid off more than 47,000 people, according to the layoff tracker. In recent months, Canadian companies such as fintech companies Simple Richessoftware company To think and crypto startup wonder have fired the staff. Goal even advertised it was cutting back on hiring and eliminating employees who weren’t meeting company goals.
Getting fired is never fun. I have been laid off several times in my career, but my most recent experience led me to start my own business. So the good news is that in my experience it gets better. The not-so-good news is that it may take some time to get there.
If you have been laid off, the initial pain, emotional and financial, can be devastating. studies on the cost of job loss show that losing a job can cause anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Yet at the same time, because most of us to have to work, we have to move on and find a new job, a new purpose, or both. Here are some tips on how to bounce back after a layoff.
What to do the day after you get fired
process the loss: I recommend that people take the first 24 hours after being fired and do any related to work so that they can process the confusion, sadness, worry or any other emotion they have. Spend time with friends or family. Watch Netflix. Read. Sleep. Mourn. Take time to discuss the big changes that come with losing a job, such as stopping working with close colleagues or not being able to finish a project you were proud of. If you don’t process the feelings now, those emotions may surface during your job search.
Inform people about the news.: Thanks to people being more open on social media, layoffs are no longer the taboo subject they once were. If you’re comfortable, share your experience on social media, especially on LinkedIn, where you can update your profile to indicate that you’re looking for work, and say what kinds of jobs interest you. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing the news publicly, you can still share it privately with your network via direct messages or emails. In my experience, your community will go out of their way to help you.
Choose if you want to be on the “dismissal list”: Many companies make lists of the people they’ve laid off so that recruiters and companies can contact them for opportunities. The advantage of joining the layoff lists is the exposure to many hiring managers. The downside is that these lists can seem overwhelming during such an emotional time when you’re trying to figure out what to do next.
What to do the week after being fired
Negotiate your compensation: A company’s severance offer is usually negotiable. If you want a better package, consider factors like whether you were laid off from another job, how long it will take to find a position that matches your experience, and how long you’ve been with the company. If you need help, consider working with an employment attorney if you have the resources to do so. (An employment lawyer can cost more than $225 an hour, depending on where you live.)
Realize that your feelings are fine: Sometimes negative emotions don’t surface for a few days after a layoff because you’re in adrenaline mode when it first happens. But if strong feelings come up later, don’t judge yourself. Talk to a therapist or professional counselor if you have access to one, or even a mentor.
request references: Getting references from previous managers and leaders at the company that fired you can be a valuable buffer against hiring managers who might make assumptions about why you were fired. I would even recommend including them in your CV. Just don’t wait too long to ask the question; you want them to be able to easily remember the details of your strengths and contributions, which can be more difficult as time goes on.
What to do the month after being fired
Calculate your next move: Think about what is right for your. That could mean taking another job, starting a freelance business, or taking a sabbatical. Some factors to consider are your financial position, retirement planning, family responsibilities, and the amount of severance pay you received.
If you are going to undertake, set up the basics quickly: If you want to start working on your own, find out what you need to start. Every company needs something to sell, a website and a marketing strategy. Get them set up ASAP if you want to bridge the gap between your layoff and your next venture.
If you’re looking for another job, start in the right headspace: Start by identifying the exact type of job you want and make a list of your dream companies. Look at those companies’ career pages and sign up for their talent networks, which is like a blank job application where you enter your qualifications and you’re taken into account for future openings. When people ask how they can help you, ask for introductions to informational interviews. You’ll also want to use large job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn.
Work with recruiters: Imagine: you have several people who are financially incentivized to support you in your job search. They make connections on your behalf and can even submit applications (with your permission) for suitable roles. That is precisely what a recruiter does. If you’ve been laid off, reach out to some recruiters and join their talent networks in addition to your own job search. there are Different ways to find a recruiter.including finding one online who specializes in your field, asking peers for recommendations, and connecting with industry groups. Working with a recruiter is free for job seekers as recruiters earn a fee of recruitment companies when they place candidates for a job.
While getting fired may seem like the end of the world, I promise you it’s not. While knowing you’ll find a new job doesn’t take away from the pain you may be feeling right now, it’s important to know that layoffs happen and are rarely your fault. I promise you that you are able to come out the other side stronger than before.