The Pongo Blog
The Pain, Grief, and Shock of Being Laid Off
January 04, 2010 (12:39PM) by Rick Saia, CPRW
I saw the new George Clooney movie Up in the Air over the holidays. It focuses on the value—or lack of it—that people place on relationships. But it's the subplot that hits home with job seekers, at least those who have gone through the pain of being laid off. I imagine anyone who recently lost a job can identify with the characters in the film who are let go (some of them through a video conference…Ouch!)
It got me thinking about the initial shock and stages of grief people go through when they're laid off, and how they felt they were treated when told their services were no longer needed.
So, let's hear from you: Tell us about a time you were laid off. What was your initial reaction? How did it change afterward? In the end, would you say your layoff hurt or helped your career? Why?
RELATED LINKS
Seven Lessons from a Long-Ago Layoff
Job Seeker Q&A: Finding Comfort in Networking
Jobless? Sometimes You Gotta Leggo Your Ego
Laid Off? Try These Short-Term Jobs to Bridge the Gap
I was not laid off,I was fired after 20 years with the company. The first month I thought I was going to lose my mind. I had just gone thru a divorce and I have 2 children in high school. The second month I went in survival mode and thru much prayer, God sent a person I had worked on a fundraising project with in the past from my sons school. He told me about some things I could get from a manufacturer as seconds and thirds and set up at the flea market to sell.....long story short, after five months,and working weekends only, (my union got my job back) I did not want to return to work.
Posted by: Dorothy | January 09, 2010 at 7:50 AM | Quote This Comment
After 4 years of faithful work in the same Company I got laid off, something that anybody could expect to happen, due to general low business in the economy. At the beginning I thought it would be a matter of little time to get in a new job, after a while the hopes were changing into a cruel reality since very few opportunities had shown up, and it is for sure that too many had applied for what has been my line of work. Since I had to read many times the requirements for such positions, I have found my lack of knowledge on certain areas of my work experience that I have to improve, in order to keep myself in a competitive range, but I have also become aware of my strengths too, giving me the chance to see more clearly what I am capable to do from a higher perspective.
Posted by: Walter Garcia | January 10, 2010 at 7:50 PM | Quote This Comment
The pain and grief of being laid off is very real. It had happened to me many times in the 1980’s, in my area of the county (Northwest). During the 80’s I did not have a full time job for over 6 years. The job’s that came available were short term projects (3-4 months) or part time with no benefits. Now with this recent layoff, I went into a mild depression that lasted about 4 months. I had been with same employer for 8.5 years. When I finally came out of the depression, which I did not know I was in, I have made some excellent strides in evaluating myself and reviewing my skill and capabilities. My family and friends have been supportive as I went through this process. Now I am on track again and have found excellent help for my new job and or career search. Here is my Assurance of Guidance: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5 & 6.
Posted by: Tim | January 11, 2010 at 7:32 PM | Quote This Comment
I have worked for over 35 years in the same type of business. Our company went into Chapter 11. I was still employed for awhile so had a net while starting my job search. I've only been on a handful of interviews with no invitations to return for a 2nd interview. I am now unemployed & fear I may have a long search ahead of me.
I have never been employed & did not choose this to happen. I am willing & eager to get back to work but though employers cannot discriminate due to age, I feel it is the "elephant in the room" that no one can mention or address but may be in reality the reason I am not getting the position. I feel my skills would transfer well to the position so cannot understand it.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by: Nancy | January 14, 2010 at 9:37 PM | Quote This Comment
I worked for 10 yeas at a small non-profit organization. I knew things were rocky financially and that there was a possibility of layoffs, but I didn't really think it would be me. You know how that is. I had hoped that we might go to a reduced hours or something. I had one week's notice and no severance.
As someone who tries to see the good in everything and trusting that God has a plan for me, I have used the opportunity to take some classes at a local community college to expand my skills to make me more marketable. Now that those classes are complete, however, I've got even more time to think about my joblessness. I'm trying to keep positive even though the unemployment rate has grown to 10%. I feel like I'm in a catch 22 -- not experienced enough from some jobs, and over-qualified for the others.
Posted by: Kelley | January 15, 2010 at 1:02 PM | Quote This Comment