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Self-Esteem after a Layoff
| Guest post by: Jim Bouchard |
Article Overview: The day of the layoff went by pretty damn fast. I no sooner sat down at my desk when my supervisor said I needed to see the production manager. I don't remember much about the conversation other than some well wishes, some thanks and an open offer to provide references. As the George Thorogood song says, "Out the door I went!" This is how I dealt with my lay off...
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Free Download - Leadership: The power of compassion & respect By Jim Bouchard |
Self-Esteem after a Layoff
This article by Joann Lublin at the Wall Street Journal hit a raw nerve with me:
"As the economy recovers, out-of-work Americans have begun finding work. Many are surprised, however, by aftershocks from a job loss that could crimp their success in the new workplace. Persistent ill effects include damaged self-esteem, fears about repeating job mistakes, concentration difficulties and insomnia."
My layoff came after receiving a nice letter of praise from my station manager. I had diligently transformed myself into a model employee over the previous two years. I was handling large clients in my role as a producer in the commercial department of a top rated television station.
The day of the layoff went by pretty damn fast. I no sooner sat down at my desk when my supervisor said I needed to see the production manager. I don't remember much about the conversation other than some well wishes, some thanks and an open offer to provide references. As the George Thorogood song says, "Out the door I went!"
One of my dearest friends took me out to breakfast and said, "This is the best day of your life." I wish I'd believed him at the time! I faced conditions very similar to what too many are dealing with today, a recession, lost market share in my industry and a very dismal job landscape. Fortunately I was young and didn't have much to lose! I had no house, no car and few cares. Still, I remember the feelings of damage to my already fragile self-esteem. Why me and not other less qualified people? The explanation of mandatory department cuts, seniority at positions and other rationale did little to build my spirits.
Here's the bottom line: There are circumstances and conditions beyond your control and very often a layoff is one of them. Sometimes they do cut dead wood and you have to decide for yourself whether or not you fall into that category. More often companies do calculated assessments of salaries, potential retirement liabilities, position requirements and other factors that most likely have absolutely nothing to do with your qualities as an individual.
It's tough, I know, but you've got to be tougher. Let go of negative feelings and impulses; fill your days with productive activities including networking, prospecting and socializing with people focused on resilience and success.
From Think Like a Black Belt:
"The good news is there are still plenty of ambitious, creative people in the world who feel entitled to nothing but an opportunity and are willing to work hard to make the most of it. You're one of them...you must agree that discipline, focus and hard work are the necessary ingredients for a happy and successful life. You may already be well developed in these areas or you may want to improve, but either way you recognize that the best rewards in life are those that are earned."
People dedicated to continual self-improvement will always persevere in tough times. You have a competitive advantage over those who accept defeat. There are no words I can offer to mitigate the pain, frustration and even embarrassment of being laid off or let go, especially when it's not your fault. It's actually easier to help someone who genuinely messed up and got fired! I can look them in the eyes and bluntly lay out what needs to change.
For now you've got to focus on what you have control over. You cannot control the national economy or the decisions of your supervisors. You can control your response to whatever circumstances and conditions have put you back in the job search business.
Every once in a while I still get together with that dear friend who told me the day of my layoff was the best day of my life. Next time I'll thank him and tell him he was right!
What You Need To Know Before You Terminate
‘6 things you MUST-DO to ensure your family survives a job loss’
The Art of the Layoff
Surviving an Economic Downturn: How to Handle Layoffs Effectively
Navigating Career Change Understanding the Six Phases of Change
Understanding California Labor Laws and the WARN Act
Seven Steps To Downsizing
Gutless Management
What are the Top 5 Reasons People Quit their Jobs?
Work Share VS. Layoffs
Ten Actions Necessary for a Successful Job Search
Laid Off - Now What?
Making the Transition After a Layoff
On Your Six, Boss!
Tips to Take Control of Credit Card Debt
Career Survival Tactics
How to Tell If Your CEO Is Clueless
SOME EXECS WILL NEED TO DECIDE: layoffs vs. retention
Job Searching And Staying Marketable In A Recession
Top 10 List to Avoid Litigation
Article Tags: business, Jim Bouchard, jobs, layoff, personal development, selfesteem, selfesteem, supervisor, Think Like a Black Belt
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About the Author: Jim Bouchard RSS for Jim's articles - Visit Jim's website Martial arts transformed Jim's self-perception from that of a drug-abuser and failure to successful entrepreneur and Black Belt! Speaker, media personality and author of Amazon bestseller THINK Like a BLACK BELT, Jim tours internationally to share his philosophy of Black Belt Mindset with coporate and conference audiences. He's a regular guest on radio and TV programs including FOX News, BBC Worldview and FOX Across America. Click here to visit Jim's website   New Year Revolutions |
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