My friend Angela had been working for the same employer for five years. She felt that she was part of a team, she felt almost as close as a family member. But when her employer decided to move to another location, the invitation was extended to two of her colleagues, but not to her. Instead what she got was a letter from human resources informing her that her services were no longer needed, she was laid-off.
As you can imagine, she went through a cocktail of emotions, shock, disbelief, anxiety, uncertainty about the future, sadness, and frustration.
I think of this story, as millions of North Americans are being laid off due to COVID-19.
Regardless of the reason, you tend to doubt yourself, your abilities, your competitiveness in a crowded job market, your self-worth. And then you plunge into a sea of negative emotions out of which it is difficult to surface.
When this happens, the most important thing you can do is to be in control of the story you tell yourself. You have to be able to control your own narrative. Allow yourself to feel those negative emotions, but the next step is to evaluate the situation and devise an action plan to overcome your negative feelings.
Realize that COVID-19 didn’t single you out
Remind yourself that it’s not just you, the virus didn’t single you out. Millions of people have lost their jobs and are going through the same experience.
Yes, it can feel personal, but it’s not. Before the pandemic, you were probably complaining of having too much work, too many things to do, too many emails to answer, a full agenda. All of a sudden everything stops and you are at home not working. Well, you are still the same person, it’s the circumstances that suddenly have changed, not you.
It’s easy to dwell with impostor syndrome and self-criticism, a layoff is a confirmation that you were not up to the task. You have been found out.
Rather than to let those negative emotions overwhelm you, remind yourself of the unique circumstances of this pandemic. If it wasn’t because of the pandemic (not because of you) you would still have a job.
Words are powerful
You were not fired, you were laid-off. The difference is very important. People get fired because they did something wrong. People get laid-off because something happened in the market conditions of the employer.
You did nothing wrong. Markets conditions have changed and unfortunately, employers are being forced to make some tough decisions. Many employers are reducing staff others are closing permanently. You are an innocent bystander of an economic tsunami.
This is the time to re-evaluate your options
The pasture is always greener on the other side.
For years, you have been wanting to try something else, but you have been too busy. You wanted to go back to school to get that additional certification, or why not an MBA? But alas, it was always a tough decision. You couldn’t just drop everything to start that new challenge. Well, now you can. You are given an opportunity to start afresh in something new.
I have seen friends catching up with their home repairs, getting rid of all the unnecessary junk in their apartment. Some are taking internet classes through one of the many digital platforms. Some have found new careers online. Another friend started learning the piano. The possibilities are endless.
In the beginning, it’s difficult to adapt to a digital environment, but after a few months, you discover that you can attend, for free, many conferences in your field of expertise, all over the world. You can create new relationships, you can increase your networking circle globally. You are no longer attached to your geographical location. This lay-off could be liberating.
Conclusion
If you develop a growth mindset, being laid-off could be seen as an opportunity, as opposed to adversity.
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