Sometimes change we don’t want, change we may even fear and dread, can be very good for us in the long run.
Disasters
I was reminded of this yesterday. Because of a broken sprinkler head in the office next door in October (!), my office was flooded, and, after 12 weeks of everything-in-boxes, the new floor and carpeting were finally installed Friday. While we sat out in the hall, surrounded by boxes and office furniture – without the computers or Internet (EEK!) connected - we decided to reorganize the layout of the office.
By mid-afternoon, we were back (still in boxes), but with a wonderful new layout in the office! I’m now SO HAPPY that sprinkler head broke in October. If it hadn’t, we’d still have the old, inefficient layout (unchanged in 12 years). Of course, now we must unpack, but we’ll be going through the stuff in the boxes, and (I’ve been informed) throwing out old useless stuff and shredding old documents. Gee, that does sound like fun…
But we’ll be happier, more efficient, and have much more room when we’re done.
Layoffs
In 1994, I was laid off by my employer, 12 years short of my 25-years-with-the-company gold watch ceremony. It was a common occurrence around here as one of the area’s largest employers – number 2 in the computer industry and number 38 (or so) in the Fortune 500 at the time – was in the process of going out of business, although most of us didn’t know it then.
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Bud – One of the guys who was laid off at the same time I was (we’ll call him “Bud”) had really hated his job and despised his boss. I sympathized with him for a while, but after several months, I wondered why he stayed FOR YEARS in a job he hated. Complaining about his manager seemed to be his favorite thing to the point that I doubt he was doing his job very well.
Being laid off was the kick in the pants he needed. It booted him out of his uncomfortable “comfort zone” where he was so unhappy and barely successful. He changed career direction from high tech to non-profit, following his passion and making a bigger contribution to society. He’s also much more successful and happy than if he’d stayed in his old job. He had to find other things to talk about, but I bet he lives longer.
Me – I was no longer glad to work for the company and I was happy to leave, although terrified when that first “pay day” came without a pay check to deposit. Thousands of people lost their jobs during that summer of 1994 as the company attempted to “right size” back to competitiveness. But the problem wasn’t the employees (I don’t think it usually is!). The problem was management setting – and sticking to – the wrong course for the mid-90’s business environment and/or not responding appropriately or quickly enough to competition in the marketplace.
Now I have my own company, and I LOVE it! I’ve learned so much since that layoff – more than a PhD, I think! Many people laid off with me, or at least from the same company, have thrived. The Internet was just launching into our culture in 1994, and many seized the opportunity it presented. Many moved on to great careers and greater success. Some, of course, did not.
Read my Don’t Be a Layoff Surviver blog post for my most important lesson from being laid off, and follow Tory Johnson’s articles in Fired-to-Hired Transition for ideas on how to proceed to your next better job and career. If you’re feeling like starting your own business, as I did, read Nancy Collamer’s “Lifestyle-Friendly Careers” articles for good solid advice.
Bottom Line
It’s not you – you’re not “broken.” Your career just took an unexpected turn, and this will work out for you – perhaps, like Bud and me, you’ll be much happier as a result. What is next for you could be a whole lot better that what you’ve left behind.
Don’t spend a lot of time having a personal pity party – get over it, and move on. If the anger comes out in interviews or your next job, get help dealing with it. Don’t let the anger or hurt feelings sabotage you. Often, joining a job search support group will be a big help: ideas, NETWORKING, even just the knowledge that you’re not alone and that very smart and capable people are also unemployed right now is strangely comforting.
Try to view the layoff as an opportunity to decide what job would really make you happy. Read the classic “What Color Is Your Parachute” book to help you understand yourself better.
Yes, being unemployed in a bad economy is scary. No question. On the other hand being employed isn’t a whole lot better right now, wondering if/when job loss will occur. Being employed does pay better. No question about that either.
So, live long and prosper – in your NEXT job!
About the author…
Online job search expert Susan P. Joyce has been observing the online job search world and teaching online job search skills since 1995. Susan is a two-time layoff “graduate” who has worked in human resources at Harvard University and in a compensation consulting firm. In 1998, her company, NETability, Inc. purchased Job-Hunt.org, and Susan has been editor and publisher of Job-Hunt since then. Follow Susan on Twitter at @jobhuntorg.
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Hi Susan!
Your layoff stories ring true with what I hear all too frequently from my executive clients. After 20 or 30 years laboring in unsatisfying jobs, something happens to shake them up and reconsider their career paths — a layoff, loss in the family, new opportunity that falls in their lap … whatever it may be.
Suddenly they see that they don’t have to settle for what they’ve become used to — there is comfort in sticking with what you already have and know. They can strike out for something that will fulfill them and allow them to work their passion.
Something I always say to job seekers at a crossroads — “It never hurts to explore what else is out there”.
Best,
Meg Guiseppi
C-level / Senior Executive Personal Branding, Online Identity & Job Search Strategist
Job-Hunt’s Personal Branding Expert — http://www.job-hunt.org/personal-branding/meg-guiseppi.shtml
Yes, Meg, it’s been interesting to observe how many people “pushed out of the nest” by a layoff actually end up doing well, probably much better than if they’d stayed where they were.
My Mother always said, “Things usually work out for the best – eventually.” And, as usual, Mother was right.
I enjoyed reading this Susan as it brought back memories as to how I ended up ‘here’ as an entrepreneur. I didn’t get laid off, but I had a tyrant of a boss and if it wasn’t for that situation, I wouldn’t be here. Besides getting ‘buzzed’ from a boss 6 feet away and having to ‘pour’ the coffee every time she was thirsty just wasn’t how I envisioned my career going…and that was a mild example. I’m SO glad that I saw through it and got out. It was a very tough decision and I was worried sick. Now that I look back, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have enjoyed 21+ years of being an entrepreneur in a career that gives me tremendous satisfaction almost on an hourly basis! There IS a reason for everything, but sometimes it takes a while to understand it.
Thank you for sharing this.
Camille
Federal Career Strategist/Consultant
Certified Federal Résumé Writer/Coach
Certified Professional Résumé Writer
Certified Employment Interview Professional
Certified Advanced Résumé Writer
Certified Internet Job Search Expert
Thanks, Camille! I know that’s true of so many – even if they don’t stay entrepreneurs. Having “gone through the fire” as an entrepreneur gives you a gut-level understanding of the importance of branding, customer service, planning, implementing, A/R and A/P and TAXES, etc. That experience makes you a much better employee elsewhere, too.
Hi Susan
Great post, sometimes life just has something else in mind for us. Have you seen Steve Jobs’ commencement speech when he says being fired from Apple was the best thing that could ever have happened to him? He came back stronger with new skills and experience, and much more for the better.
Link to his speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA
Cheers
Yes! It’s a wonderful speech! I hope people watch the video. Thanks for thinking of it and adding it to the discussion!
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