It’s not uncommon to be terminated these days; it’s a fact of life. The first thing you must remember is that most of the time, it’s not personal. It’s a business decision stemming from the ups and downs of the global economy, and the need to re-engineer according to the company direction.
Even if you know these things in your head, in your heart it can feel devastating at worst, disconcerting at best. After assessing the emotions attached to “Why me?” you’ll probably be asking “What now?”
- Seek guidance and support. Surround yourself with family members, friends and champions who can listen to you, allow you to vent your anger and rage, and listen to your concerns and doubts.
- Engage an employment lawyer review your severance contract BEFORE you sign. Be sure you choose a specialist who is familiar with the contractual obligations of a severance package and the provincial regulations surrounding employment. Hint: Employers generally expect you to conduct due diligence and come back for more.
- Hire a career transition service. Just as you employ a financial planner to manage your money, get the expert help you need to manage your career transition and build a business case selling your hiring potential. Look for a well-rounded team with professional credentials, knowledge of working with clients at your level and industry, and experience in guiding people through the rocky, difficult and emotional ride of downsizing, also known as termination.
Whether you feel blindsided by the news or you suspected it was coming, don’t let being downsized send you into hiding. Use these three actions to proactively manage and reduce your time spent in career transition.
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