The other night there was a news report that more than 230,000 U.S. jobs had been lost in the first quarter of 2008. That’s more than 70,000 per month. If you have never been through a layoff, you’ve experienced the impact of it. These numbers remind me of how common an experience it is.
It can be scary and really shake your confidence. If you are one of the people selected to be laid off, you may start to question your own personal worth. Why you were picked versus someone else? There is an echoing of all sorts of self talk that can impact your confidence and how you move forward.
If you are one of those who escaped the most recent round of layoffs, your situation can be tough as well. You may wind up with the left over work that still needs to be done by those left behind. There is always the looming threat of yet another layoff and wondering if you will be next.
So what do you do? Hunker down and keep a low profile – that could work against you. Start looking for another job...just in case - that could be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
Internal Support Structure
In times like this it is important to build and maintain your support structure. Make a decision to live your life as you want. Living from choice and confidence frees you from so many worries.
Know yourself
One of the first steps is to really get anchored in who you truly are. Recognize that you are a marvelous creation, a human being that has dignity and worth that is beyond any price tag. No matter what any one individual sees in you or says about you, you have unique gifts that you are called to share.
A few questions you may want to explore are:
- What is truly important to you?
- What are your values?
- Who are you as a person?
- What is it that you uniquely bring to the world?
- What are your skills and talents, that when unleashed really help you to shine?
- What is it you want to accomplish in life?
- How can this current situation lead you to your aspirations in ways you never expected?
There is so much value in being able to talk with someone about these questions and many more. Look for a friend, coach or mentor who will listen to you intently and be there fully as you explore.
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