Anyone can get the axe at any time. It happens to good people and bad ones…hard workers as well as slackers along the career path.
“We feel you would be happier working for another company.”
“Sorry, business is falling off. We no longer need your services.”
“Operations are being consolidated in Mexico. The Bedrock Plant will be closed Feb. 1.”
Sugar-coated or not, the message is the same: You’re fired! You’ve been sacked. You are out of a job!
13 Career Tips To Survive and Prosper
Therefore, it makes common sense to know what to do to survive and prosper should you ever get the dreaded “pink slip”. Here are 15 job tips that will help you survive and prosper despite a pink slip.
1. Keep in mind that in the current environment the idea of womb to tomb job security is as dead as a hammer. Be loyal to your present employer, but never develop a romance with the organization. Look out for yourself first.
2. Be alert and well informed at all times about the outlook for your employer and your job. If you know things are going down the drain, begin a below-the-radar search for other opportunities. If the axe falls, you’ll have a head start on finding another job.
3. Stay prepared financially. Always try to have enough cash in reserve to cover at least three months living expenses.
4. Keep your skills up to date with the needs of the job market. Capitalize on opportunities for additional training. Read the literature of your field.
5. Maintain an up-to-date record of your accomplishments so you can produce a resume in 24 hours.
6. Nurture contacts with people in your line of work and with those likely to employ your type of qualifications. Be visible through outside activities and positive publicity.
7. Help others who lose their jobs. Also, be of assistance to those who are looking to recruit employees. They may help you some day.
8. Understand your emotions.
Psychologist Bill Weber says getting fired is very much like dealing with the death of a loved one.
“The first reaction is denial, or wishful thinking. There’s been a mistake. This can’t be true,” Dr. Weber says. “Then the shock sets in, followed by anger, depression, frustration and fear. Worst of all is the loss of self-esteem.”
9. If you get fired, allow some time for grieving; but not too much. Don’t just sit there feeling sorry for yourself. It’s natural to be angry with your employer, but don’t let your feelings show. You still need him. Negotiate the best possible severance package possible for continuing pay and benefits, particularly insurance coverage. Don’t forget good references, too.
10. Start immediately to search for another, better job. Use this time to reassess the goals you have set for the rest of your life. Define the job that will enable you to achieve these objectives.
11. Prepare a plan to market yourself. Let it be known you are available; “advertise” what you have to offer. Involve your network of friends and family in the job search.
12. Be patient. Recognize it will take time to find another acceptable position.
13. Don’t panic. If you possibly can afford to wait, don’t jump on the first opportunity that comes down the pike, unless, of course, it really matches up with your objectives.
Two final job tips try to remember two things.
1. It can happen to anyone.
2. A high percentage of people end up with better jobs than the ones from which they were fired.
True story…Early in his sales career a friend received the shock of his young business life. On a Friday at 4:55PM his manager called he and three associates, one by one into his office and told them he had word from upstairs and he had to “let them go”. FIRED! My friend was so stunned he said little, shook the hand of the manager and actually thnked him for the opportunity to learn from him.
A fired colleague however could be heard screaming at the manager calling him an SOB and shattering the glass pane in his door when he slammed it.
One month later my unemployed friend got a call from his old manager who had moved to the competition. He was hired on the phone for more money and responsibility. Years later this friend succeeded that manager as Exc.Vp.
The lesson DO NOT BURN YOUR BRIDGES
If your boss is an SOB you can say it but wait until your in the parking lot.
Markham Howe
Many thanks for your comments….right on target. I missed that most important point in my newsletter. Getting fired is not a solo act. Family and friends are impacted as much as the victim. If they are kept involved they can be a great support team.
I hope you will continue to visit Re: Your Career and share your thoughts.
Ramon
Jim Mallon…
Many thanks for your compliments. Please share your true story re “don’t burn bridges”. I know you are a man of great experience, so your comments would be most helpful to our readers.
Ramon
This blog is a great addition and will be an active comunicator for the private situations which happen to us all. I have a true story about “don’t burn bridges” I’d like to share with you if you would like.
Good luck Ramon! You fill a void.
JM Chicago
“you are fired”… self esteem and confidence are amongst the first casualities,when somebody gets the axe. However, getting fired can be a more uplifting experience than unsettling one. History is testimonial to the effect that many big people became part of big entity or ventures, when they left the job or were fired. Keeping a positive mental attitude and trying to secure a new job/business are key attributes one has to constantly keep working on.
Many people are afraid of leaving the job for fear of uncertainity.Its human tendency to accept the safe zone.. its better to deal with the devil you know than the angel you dont.
Only thos epeople who get a chance to take the risk know what is out there. But for that either you resign or GET FIRED!!!!
Ravinder Paul Singh
Kenya
I’ve enjoyed the CS@W newsletters for many months. They contain many useful, work related tips and suggestions. Your new blog now offers another tool for your subscribers to communicate with you, and have your resposnes appear for all to see and comment on.
Bob Johnston
Ramon, the effect on the family can be dramatic when you get the news that you are no longer needed. When my company downsized and my job was eliminated my wife and children took it much harder than I. You gave really sound advice about how to be prepared, but the preparation includes letting your family know that they will be all right, even though it will mean some temporary sacrifices. The stages of grief are real, but the opportunities for something better are also there. Your can’t sit around and just hope for something better. You have to be active in making something happen.
Markham Howe