Hearing CNN's Anderson Cooper report on 70,000 additional layoffs yesterday reminded me of conversations I have had recently with three pink slipped professionals.
These three mid career professionals were laid off from positions in pharmaceutical sales, home security and retail management.
Once the initial shock and anxiety dissipated, all three were actually seeing some of the upside of being laid off:
1. All three thought being laid off was giving them time to think and possibly execute a career makeover.
2. Two expressed less workplace stress once the pink slip actually arrived. The company wide anxiety and speculation pre lay off was more stressful.
3. All three were thinking about additional education and training; one in a related field and two in new careers.
4. Two want to start a business - one in property management and another in a home child care business. Both thought the unemployment payments would offer a financial buffer to start a business.
5. One felt that layoff forced her family to examine their personal spending habits and life choices. It seemed once they looked at their budget, they realized they could improve the situation with her as a stay-at-home parent. After child care and eating out expenses, she felt a work-at-home business might help them net more.
6. All three realized they needed to consider multiple income streams.
I know that times are tough, but as an optimist, I have a habit of encouraging people to consider the upside of being laid off. I think many people are staying positive about the future.
Can you see any upside of being laid off?
9 comments:
I could use a new routine. Is that an upside?
BTW I know some people who are wishing they could be laid off.
e
Not having to see these folks everyday would be a real upside.
DevGuy
Marcia this is quite helpful. For those newly laid off it can probably help them to change their pessimistic perspective. I refer to it on my blog
Hi Evelyn,
True. Some people do wish they could be in the pool for all the reasons we talked about. It's kind of a dirty little secret.
New routine could be good. We get to be robots after a while. This could make you stop and smell the flowers.
DevGuy,
I love this. People saying what's really on their mind.
Hi Dee,
Thanks for referring to the post. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of information to reshape your perspective.
Thank you for the optimistic post at a time when we all need it. It's nice to hear a positive spin on all of this for once.
Perhaps I could offer one more 'upside'...How about the excuse to escape a bad job or boss? Maybe your readers will find some humor in this: http://thehiringsite.careerbuilder.com/2009/01/30/blagos-actions-nothing-compared-to-these-bad-bosses/
Great and positive post, Marcia - thank you so much fo that!
We in Canada have also been hit hard because our economy is so dependent on the U.S.
However, here's another alternative for those who have been laid off or are about to lose their job - you can join one of the Global Expert Communities and make money from home on a "per minute" or "per project" basis working as a Global Expert. Here's some more info for you: http://www.digitizergroup.com
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