Navigating Job Uncertainty
It’s a stressful time for so many right now. My heart goes out to my clients as I support them in solidifying their risk plans for potential layoffs.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Uncertainty can weigh heavily on your emotions and mental health, and if you find yourself struggling, please lean on your support system.
Today, I’d like to share some practical steps you can take now to help you prepare if layoffs or a return-to-office mandate could be on the horizon.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲
1. 𝐁𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞. Preparation is key to feeling confident and having more options.
2. 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. Are you concerned about a potential layoff, a mandatory return-to-office, or both?
3. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 to a return-to-office mandate (RTOW). If RTOW is not feasible for you, consider your exit strategy. Is there a reason to stay for a short period of time (e.g., waiting for a bonus payout)?
4. 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐮𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.
-Identify any expenses you will eliminate or reduce NOW (to increase your emergency fund).
-Identify expenses that will be eliminated or reduced if and when you do experience a layoff.
5. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮. Would you be entitled to any compensation (back pay, sick pay, vacation pay) or a severance package?
6. 𝐁𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡.
-Update your resume and LinkedIn profile now.
-Confirm whether you’re subject to any non-solicitation or non-compete agreements.
-Nurture your network. Opportunities can come from unexpected places!
7. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 (like side hustles or freelancing) that could help bridge the gap.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭?
After you’ve tackled these immediate steps…I would encourage you to reflect. >>If you are impacted by layoffs, what work would you love to do for your next chapter in life? How can you begin to plan for this?
Uncertainty is hard. Having a plan in place gives you confidence and options, no matter what happens next. Rooting for you, friend.
