5 Ways to Prepare Yourself In Case You Are Laid Off
We understand this isn’t a subject most people want to talk about.
That means it’s important.
Despite superficial reporting that the unemployment rate has improved, the core employment situation has actually worsened. With cases of COVID-19 suddenly spiking, a likely second wave in the fall and no widely distributed vaccine in sight until next year, a return to lockdown mode for many areas of the country is becoming increasingly likely.
None of that is good news for the working person.
Companies are barely surviving now. If there is a repeat scenario of the Spring, many will be forced to make further cost reductions if not close altogether. As uncomfortable as it may make you, if you do not own the company you currently work for there is a chance your position could be eliminated. It’s just the nature of business. There are things you can do to prepare in case that happens, things that are beneficial to do even if it (hopefully) doesn’t happen.
Save Samples of Your Work Somewhere Safe. Most of us use our work computers without realizing all of the samples of our abilities are on it and will be immediately remotely erased the second we are let go. Save your samples, (things that are not proprietary of course), to Dropbox or somewhere else you will have access to once your computer and email accounts are deleted by your employer.
Create An Online Portfolio of Your Work. The easiest way to send those samples to future prospective employers will be through a digital portfolio. There are a number of free platforms you could use, or you could create a mini-site. Either way, a digital portfolio is a simple, modern way to showcase your work.
Up Your LinkedIn Game. It would be prudent to begin increasing your LinkedIn activity if you haven’t already. Take a look at your profile, make sure you have everything up to date or if there is more to add since the last time you edited the content, (there most likely is). Begin commenting on posts, it doesn’t have to be anything that overtly suggests you’re looking for another job if that’s your concern, there are plenty of articles and updates that have nothing to do with that. Follow hashtags relevant to your trade, join groups. The goal is to be more active and stay on people’s radars.
Consider Creating Your Own Company. If you are laid off, there will undoubtedly be at least a 2-3 month period before you find your next job. It will be ideal if you can still bring something in during that time. This will not only help you for obvious financial reasons but also psychologically, as it will be something you have a level of control over. One of the things that gives people the most anxiety while being unemployed is a feeling of helplessness. So consider starting your own company to freelance your services now while you are not anxious, it will be better to set all that up now rather than scramble to slap it together out of desperation if you ever get that dreaded phone call.
Stay Calm. As devastating as it would be, losing your job is not the worst thing that could ever happen. It won’t feel like it at the moment but there will be another side of things where you are working again and hopefully doing what you love. Panicking won’t help you find another job, in fact it could undermine you in subtle ways. People can detect when you’re in a panicked state, even over the phone. It is unsettling and could work against you in their decision making process. Remain calm, you will ultimately be ok.
If you need help with touching up your resume, LinkedIn profile or digital portfolio, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.