The Upside of Being Downsized - How to See the Bright Side of Unemployment
The last time I checked, the unemployment rate for California was 11.5 percent.
Many of those who find themselves out of work, also consider themselves to be out of luck. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the vast majority of those who are unemployed often view it, in retrospect, as a right of passage to a better job and a better life.
But before they arrive at that particular juncture in their lives, they must first deal with the emotional and financial aspects of being downsized; the two areas that are the greatest source of distress. Unemployment benefits can temporarily help cushion the financial blow.
The key is to be optimistic in the face of the distress you are facing. For many the real challenge will be maintaining that optimism (once they've established it) on a daily basis. After all, when we are employed, there are 8 - 10 hours out of the day when we don't have to think about what tomorrow will bring. When unemployed, uncertainty is what you begin and end each day with.
This uncertainty is accentuated by the regularity of a steady paycheck; however, certainty (i.e. security/stability) is just an illusion in today's economy. Companies are trimming fat like overzealous butchers. Anyone who understands business knows that most companies have too much overhead (operational costs).
The 80/20 rule, which stipulates that 20% of the input results in 80% of the output, holds true in the vast majority of companies. In other words, within every company, 80% of the profits received will be generated by 20% of the people, or by a particular division or group of individuals.
Most of us just go to work, do the work that is expected or required of us to the best of our ability, and strive for (and are happy with) doing a good day's work. It's a natural tendency. But is the work necessary? The 80/20 rule clues all workers into how "secure" their jobs really are. If the job, and its activities do not consist of the 20% of the work which comprises the input that creates the 80% of the output or profits, there is no job security.
When companies downsize, they do so precisely for that reason. Yes, some companies need support (marketing, administrative, legal, etc.) for the people or departments which provide the key 20%, but those people can be replaced by cheaper employees who can share job responsibilities and duties.
Bottom line is that security, in today's economy, is an illusion. Now the bright side.
Using the 80/20 rule, you can also deduce that 80% of your enjoyment in your last job came from 20% of your duties. While unemployed, you can now focus your efforts on finding employment that includes more of the work activities and duties that are enjoyable to you.
Start with your resume. What role will it cast you in? You may not think of your job search in the same manner as an actor auditioning for a role, but that's exactly what you are doing. Just as an actor chooses a role that enables him or her the opportunity to adequately display their talents. An unemployed person has a fresh opportunity to choose employment that adequately displays their best skills.
The real key to job employment is knowing your strengths and values. Once your company downsizes and you are forced to reflect on your past work experiences, think about what you did best, and the skills and work that others often complimented you on. Amplify those activities on your updated resume so that your strength(s) become more pronounced to future employers.
Finally, but most importantly, the real upside of being downsized is that you are afforded the opportunity to choose new work, and a new life, that's more congruent with your values. Did you like the people you worked with at your last job? Did you have a good relationship with your supervisor? Did you like your work hours? Did you have the flexibility/freedom that you desired or needed? Did your last job comfortably meet your life's financial obligations?
The answers to these questions will help you chart a new course that can lead to more rewarding employment in the future, and a more fulfilling life.
Questions and Answers
In a rather swift and disarming life altering moment, you've just been advised that your company is downsizing and that regrettably, you're impacted. You've worked hard throughout your career demonstrating the vision and foresight to be successful. Protect your career through these tough economic times! Read on...
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