A few weeks ago I got a notice from my employer that after 12 years working 60+ hours a week
my efforts would be rewarded with a pink slip. Where do I begin? Every emotion set in and it
was hard to believe the cold manner in which I was told. No person to person meeting, no thank you or not even a cake. Just a “In the wake of the current economic climate we have decided to
eliminate some positions … “ – Ok, you had me at eliminate.
Thankfully becoming unemployed was not something entirely unexpected since it is happening
to so many people around here but when it happens to you one can not do anything but to feel
regret, anger and simple confusion at first.
Over the last few months many of my friends have been laid off and, as hard as it was for each
one, a couple have gone on to do better things so there is hope. My new rule in life is not to
complain but to practice the same advice I would give to others. So, for those of you currently
unemployed (or realistically have a high possibility of getting a pink slip) here are some tips to
avoid the whole depression and anger stages to move on with your life.
#1) Have your resume up to date now! Every time a job is eliminated another potential employee
is available so if your company lays off 100 people in a round be one of the people with an up to
date resume right away. This will help you move ahead of the pack and save you from days on the
couch moaning and growing about how you can’t look for a job because you don’t have a resume.
#2) Start cutting back expenses now. it is very possible to save on common items. For example,
you can compare car insurance companies and aim for lower auto insurance premiums, inquire
about transferring credit card balances to lower interest rate credit cards or evaluate the
possibility of refinancing while you are still employed. The road to savings is easy but too often
when you have steady paycheck it’s easy to forget about saving money. This is a far different
economy than just a few years ago so unemployed or employed start saving now.
#3) gather a list of companies to contact in the event you become unemployed. The very first
question – before even a resume – will be you asking yourself who else can I work for around
here? This list should include the names of companies who specialize in your industry AND the
names of temp agencies who deal with these companies. The path to alternate employment first
begins with knowing with whom to speak.
In the last few weeks I have had my days on the couch watching re-runs of Law & Order so do not
feel bad. It’s natural and without the unemployed contributions to Dick Wolfe’s productions many
more people may lose their jobs but no matter how hard it is today, life will change and improve.
It can not improve though if you do not have a plan.
Good luck to all. We are survivors and I know you will be also.
Peace and Love.
Damien
St. Louis, MN
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