Help For Corporate Road Kill
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You're Unemployed
Nuker’s Rant
Vol. 1.1
“You’re Unemployed!”
You’re unemployed. Out of work. Don’t have a job. It sucks! You were laid-off, fired, shown the door or just so sick and tired you shouted, “I quit!” and walked out. It sucks! It can feel like the end of the world. It sucks! Or maybe you are of the frame of mind “I’ve never felt better.” Maybe you feel both. I know I did. But either way, you’re out of work and like most of us you need a way to make money. But as the tired old adage goes “Life’s too short.” And, if you hate your job, it really is too short.
I was laid-off after 24 years and 4 months working for large corporation. I had gone through numerous company sales and survived, dodged the bullet and kept my job. I was the last of the original group of employees at my location. Reduction in workForce (RIF) is the current double speak, meaning, “We’re getting rid of you.” It does not matter what they call it, one-way or another you’re going to be looking for a job.
I knew it was coming. Weeks before I had brought home all my personal files and forwarded my personal electronic files to my home computer, I just had the feeling my job was coming to an end. My career consultant said it was because I’m an INFP, Myers Briggs personality type. She said I “saw” it coming – intuitive and feeling. (I) Introversion (N) Intuitive (F) Feeling (P) Perceiving Check out Myers Briggs personality types at Myers Briggs or Know Your Type or Human Metrics Whether, it was my personality type or something else, I knew I was not going dodge the bullet this time. It was a Thursday when 40% of my immediate colleagues were left looking for jobs the following Monday, along with myself.
“Now what?”
Even though I knew it was coming I was still shocked. I was left wondering why, feeling shame and trying to figure out how I was going to pay the bills. Then the depression started. All these feelings are normal. You are going to have to work your way through them. You may even want to see a mental health counselor.
Start at the beginning. First take some time to get over losing your job. The world is not going to stop spinning tomorrow if you don’t start searching for a job immediately. You will know when it is time to begin your new life. Start with a plan. Take an assessment of what you want to do with your life. What kind of job makes you happy? What kind of job conditions would be ideal? What skills do you have to offer a potential employer? Maybe you want to work for yourself or retire. At this point nothing is off the table. One crazy thought might lead to how you want to spend the rest of your life. Join the Peace Corp, move to another state or country, go back to school or take the welding class, open an art supply store, teach, find a couple part-time jobs. You can live your dream, if you have a plan.
I am assuming you have lost your job. My first piece of advice, get your self a lawyer. Get a lawyer that specializes in employment law. Know your rights! See the lawyer before you sign anything. If you had to sign something under duress at the office before security walked you to the parking lot, definitely see a lawyer. There are laws. See a lawyer and know your rights. That’s my advice for what it is worth.
After you stop feeling sorry for yourself, and we all do and deserve to — at least for a while – get out of bed and start a routine. Figure out a fitness plan; see our section on Health & Fitness. Start educating your self. Go to your public library. It’s a great place and a lot of fun, and best, it’s free. You’ve obviously found this site. Start surfing the web, catch some waves, get smart!
Remember one important thing, this is your life and you’re in control.
©2007. nuker. All Rights Reserved
Knowledge is power.
Sir Francis Bacon Meditationes Sacrae [1597]
If you would like to reprint part or all Nuker’s Rant, go ahead. We'd like credit. And, link away. We'd also like to know if you do use it. Contact us: Laidoffhelp@LaidOffHelp.com We’re easy.
Vol. 1.1
“You’re Unemployed!”
You’re unemployed. Out of work. Don’t have a job. It sucks! You were laid-off, fired, shown the door or just so sick and tired you shouted, “I quit!” and walked out. It sucks! It can feel like the end of the world. It sucks! Or maybe you are of the frame of mind “I’ve never felt better.” Maybe you feel both. I know I did. But either way, you’re out of work and like most of us you need a way to make money. But as the tired old adage goes “Life’s too short.” And, if you hate your job, it really is too short.
I was laid-off after 24 years and 4 months working for large corporation. I had gone through numerous company sales and survived, dodged the bullet and kept my job. I was the last of the original group of employees at my location. Reduction in workForce (RIF) is the current double speak, meaning, “We’re getting rid of you.” It does not matter what they call it, one-way or another you’re going to be looking for a job.
I knew it was coming. Weeks before I had brought home all my personal files and forwarded my personal electronic files to my home computer, I just had the feeling my job was coming to an end. My career consultant said it was because I’m an INFP, Myers Briggs personality type. She said I “saw” it coming – intuitive and feeling. (I) Introversion (N) Intuitive (F) Feeling (P) Perceiving Check out Myers Briggs personality types at Myers Briggs or Know Your Type or Human Metrics Whether, it was my personality type or something else, I knew I was not going dodge the bullet this time. It was a Thursday when 40% of my immediate colleagues were left looking for jobs the following Monday, along with myself.
“Now what?”
Even though I knew it was coming I was still shocked. I was left wondering why, feeling shame and trying to figure out how I was going to pay the bills. Then the depression started. All these feelings are normal. You are going to have to work your way through them. You may even want to see a mental health counselor.
Start at the beginning. First take some time to get over losing your job. The world is not going to stop spinning tomorrow if you don’t start searching for a job immediately. You will know when it is time to begin your new life. Start with a plan. Take an assessment of what you want to do with your life. What kind of job makes you happy? What kind of job conditions would be ideal? What skills do you have to offer a potential employer? Maybe you want to work for yourself or retire. At this point nothing is off the table. One crazy thought might lead to how you want to spend the rest of your life. Join the Peace Corp, move to another state or country, go back to school or take the welding class, open an art supply store, teach, find a couple part-time jobs. You can live your dream, if you have a plan.
I am assuming you have lost your job. My first piece of advice, get your self a lawyer. Get a lawyer that specializes in employment law. Know your rights! See the lawyer before you sign anything. If you had to sign something under duress at the office before security walked you to the parking lot, definitely see a lawyer. There are laws. See a lawyer and know your rights. That’s my advice for what it is worth.
After you stop feeling sorry for yourself, and we all do and deserve to — at least for a while – get out of bed and start a routine. Figure out a fitness plan; see our section on Health & Fitness. Start educating your self. Go to your public library. It’s a great place and a lot of fun, and best, it’s free. You’ve obviously found this site. Start surfing the web, catch some waves, get smart!
Remember one important thing, this is your life and you’re in control.
©2007. nuker. All Rights Reserved
Knowledge is power.
Sir Francis Bacon Meditationes Sacrae [1597]
If you would like to reprint part or all Nuker’s Rant, go ahead. We'd like credit. And, link away. We'd also like to know if you do use it. Contact us: Laidoffhelp@LaidOffHelp.com We’re easy.
