Author Topic: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?  (Read 3760 times)

mjones1234

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Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« on: July 01, 2016, 08:21:09 AM »
If you knew there was a good possibility of losing your job within a few days, what would you do to prepare? I am in a situation where I work for a company who's investors
appear to be looking to sell. There has been a couple rounds of layoffs recently, most likely to strengthen the balance sheet. Several executives are flying in after the holiday and
I've been denied a request for time off during that day. So, the writing appears to be on the wall. No past performance issues and I've been with the company for 25 years. I'm
heading into the weekend and wondering "is there anything I need to do today to prepare?" Or just roll on in and let the chips fall where they may? I'm not in a position, nor do
I care to fight for my job. Once decisions like these are made, they're typically not reversed anyway. FYI - this isn't a situation where I'll flip out if it comes to fruition. I'm not ready
to retire but have some nice reserves to carry us through. Since I've been at the job so long, I know it would put me in a minor state of shock, just because it interrupts an embedded
daily routine. I'm the kind of guy who prides himself on carrying the economic load for the family, so I would expect some anxiety. Just wondering if folks here, who have been in a
similar situation have any words of wisdom to share.

Thanks all.


Apocalyptica602

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2016, 08:27:23 AM »
Just from listening to you lay that situation out there you seem like you have your act together and are taking things in stride. That's good.

I don't have any personal experiences with this (yet, I'm sure). But just providing words of encouragement. If this happens, take solace in the fact that you're prepared, your financial house is in order, and your family's needs are met.

Plus the usual advice, reach out to your network, update your resume, etc.

RamonaQ

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2016, 08:39:10 AM »
I'd make sure that you have copies of information that you might need after you're no longer at that job.  (Colleagues' contact information, etc.)  Also if your resume isn't up to date or you don't keep a list of accomplishments, make sure you get that info while you still have access to it.  (Like, say you designed an advertising campaign that did well or you implemented a cost-savings initiative - make sure you have the data to back up your accomplishments.  Obviously nothing proprietary, but something so you can say, "I did X and it resulted in a 30% increase in response rates" instead of "I did X and if I remember correctly it did really good.")

Choices

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2016, 08:40:37 AM »
I'm so sorry you're facing this stress. If I were in your shoes, step 1 would be tightening up the budget and holding a family/spouse conversation so we're all on the same page and they can also provide emotional support.

Step 2 would be starting a job search, networking, etc without burning any bridges. Many industries are small worlds and you never know who will pop up where at another job.

Step 3 is to pat yourself on the back for having an emergency fund. Well done!

If your job does survive the layoffs, you'll still have the decision of whether to stay or look for a new job. One of my family members got tired of having this stress every six months, so he was proactive and got an even better job. He's now grateful for the kick in the pants.

CheapskateWife

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2016, 08:42:32 AM »
I'd make sure that you have copies of information that you might need after you're no longer at that job.  (Colleagues' contact information, etc.)  Also if your resume isn't up to date or you don't keep a list of accomplishments, make sure you get that info while you still have access to it.  (Like, say you designed an advertising campaign that did well or you implemented a cost-savings initiative - make sure you have the data to back up your accomplishments.  Obviously nothing proprietary, but something so you can say, "I did X and it resulted in a 30% increase in response rates" instead of "I did X and if I remember correctly it did really good.")

This is a terrific idea!  Every project I work on, I put together a project summary for our historical records at work and then copy myself at home.  Voila, my portfolio is staffed!  And if tomorrow I get shown the door, I have that portfolio ready to go.

Slee_stack

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2016, 08:42:56 AM »
Been there, done that.  I think there's a statistic that most people end up being let go at least once in their life.

Its stressful, even if you are logical, well-planned, prepared, etc.  It is,after all, a big change to the routine.

Do the standard stuff:  make sure your resume is up to date; make copies of any personal achievements / projects you've done; get co-worker personal contact #s, search jobs; network; maximize your options (including location); confirm references; apply for unemployment; etc.

Different people take a different amount of pressure to make changes for the better.  Losing a job is a pretty high pressure moment.

Strangely, it really can be one of the best things that ever happened to you.  But most only recognize this in hindsight.

Accept the pressure.  You'll have some worry that will be near impossible to shake.  Do try to inject a little excitement about you getting to do something even just a little different.

Good luck!

Another Reader

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2016, 09:38:07 AM »
Don't sign any severance package agreement when they hand it to you.  Tell the HR person you need to take it home and review it.  Often they will include an agreement not to sue or file for unemployment if you agree to the package.   Don't verbally agree to anything.  Say as little as possible.  You may have an age discrimination issue and HR is well aware of that.

Packages are often negotiable.  After 25 years, you should get some benefits - maybe company health insurance for several months, plus severance based on your 25 years of service.  If they are stiffing you out of a pension, you may need an attorney.

Get all of your personal items out of the office today and wipe your computer of any personal documents or information.

Don't take it personally, it has to do with the owners' decision to sell, not your work performance.

markbike528CBX

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2016, 09:56:05 AM »
me: Whoo-hoo!!!

You: Don't Panic , (in large, friendly letters on the cover ) it sounds like you will be Ok, but it might be a shock if it happens. Even if the axe misses you, survivor guilt might hit hard (did for me).

 Prepare portfolio/unabridged resume that you can use to assemble a job/ specific resume.

All other posts here are good.

little_brown_dog

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2016, 11:05:52 AM »
I would mentally prepare to go into it ready to discuss severance. Even if you know they won’t give it to you, just being able to say “given my strong performance and how much I really would prefer to stay, will I be offered a severance package?” will make you feel empowered and in control. And you might actually put them in a spot to actually negotiate if they weren't prepared.

Prep yourself as much as you can on what is expected in your industry given your job, your seniority, and your years at the company in case they do entertain a discussion about severance. If your job level rarely or never qualifies, depending on how bold you are, you might also want to make a quick 2-3 sentence case for why you are disappointed that you are not being offered one (ex: strong performance, give examples, years spent at the company, etc). You can’t avoid them firing you, but I hear many companies often just lay people off with no severance in part because many employees never ask. Maybe if you bring it up, in a very professional matter-of-fact way, you might walk away with something!

dougules

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Re: Possibility of Being Let Go - What Would You Do?
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2016, 11:43:01 AM »
I'm assuming your resume is up to date?  You might just note any info down you need to update it while you still can look things up at work.