H.E.L.P. JAC Newsletter
Help Employees Leave Prepared Edition 1
The Joint Adjustment Committee (JAC) is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, MI Works!, UAW, and Design Ware. The Joint Adjustment Committee’s goal is to provide information to employees who are transitioning from employment to unemployment to re-employment and/or training.
Our name is the H.E.L.P. JAC. It stands for Help Employees Leave Prepared Joint Adjustment Committee. We are meeting to learn how to better help all employees transitioning at Design Ware. We will communicate by newsletter, blog, and Facebook. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please ask.
Our mission statement is: The H.E.L.P. TEAM JAC will provide tools to our employees to transition to the next stage of their life.
Employee Needs Survey
The Employee Needs Survey will be distributed this week.
The purpose of the survey is to give us (H.E.L.P. TEAM JAC) an opportunity to gauge the needs and desires of the employees, so we can better assist you. We strongly encourage everyone to participate. Thanks.
Team Members
Julia Cokely State of MI
Kevin Crowe Design Ware
Ann Lown JAC
Curt Mastos MI Works!
Andy Meulman Teamsters 7
Renee Shull Design Ware
Sid Spring Teamsters 7
Questions and Answers about the H.E.L.P. TEAM JAC
Q: What does it mean to you?
A: We have created a team consisting of members from H.E.L.P. TEAM, the State of Michigan, MI Works! (Kalamazoo/St. Joseph counties), and me, Ann, the guide in this process. Members of the union are invited.
Q: What are we going to do for you?
A: We are going to supply information to help you through your coming transition.
Q: Like what?
A: Like, how to apply for unemployment insurance compensation. Or, how to get your GED...and we'll have information on resume writing, career changes, educational choices, and other resources.
We want to be sure that when you leave Design Ware you are ready to transition into your new life. Maybe it is going to work somewhere, or maybe it is going back to school/training; whatever you decide, we want provide the information you may need.
Who Is Ann?
Hi! My name is Ann Lown and I'm the Neutral Chairperson (the guide) for the Joint Adjustment Committee. I worked in manufacturing for 25 years before I was downsized and the plant closed. When I lost my job, I felt like my feet were pulled out from underneath me. I kept thinking, "I did everything they wanted of me; I worked hard and this is the thanks I get,” and the ever popular, “It’s not fair!” And after a while, I decided that there was nothing I could do about it; I wasn't going back to work there; I had to get on with the rest of my life. I decided to look at this as a 'time of opportunity' instead of something that was so very bad. I thought about what I really wanted to do now that I had the chance to change my life around. What was my passion; what did I really want to be when I grew up; (oh, did I mention that I'm way over 50); where did I want to be in 10/15 years? I made my decision, and I am not only very happy with my life, but am successful too. It was a struggle. It was overwhelming. It turned my life upside down.
And, it is happening to you too. You can decide to let life flood over you and see where you end up, or you can start making some life choices now. This is an opportunity that you may never get again; the chance to start over. I know it is scary, but it is going to happen anyway. So, make the best of this!
Read the Blog
The Blog for H.E.L.P. TEAM is written to help you with this new stage in your life. You can find it by logging onto the Internet at www.H.E.L.P TeamJAC.blogspot.com. Become a follower!
Where Do I Start?
Where to start? Well, what do you really want to do after you leave this job? Don't start throwing up roadblocks and making excuses, just think about the answer…"what do you really want to do?" Still don't know? Think about what you wanted to do before you started working here. What are you interested in and can that be made into a ‘real’ job? There will be more information about testing in upcoming newsletters and of course, on the blog. There are interest (what I like to do) and aptitude (what I am good at doing) tests. These are great places to start.
Do you know what jobs are in demand in this area? 70% of Southwest Michigan jobs are in the Healthcare, Hospitality, Advanced Manufacturing and Construction /Skilled Trades area. More information can be found at these two websites: www.milmi.org and www.miworks.org/hotcareers.htm
We’re on Facebook
Log onto Facebook at www.facebook.com. Once there, you will need your email address and password to sign in
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Layoff Survivors: How to Do More Than Survive
Written by Annie Morrissey
A job provides a sense of belonging, security, and identify; in fact, many people define themselves by what they do for a living. Attachment to a job is accompanied by feelings of control, known expectations and loyalty. A threat to job security threatens much more than a loss of income.
One doesn’t have to personally experience losing his/her job to understand the traumatic effects of layoff on those who have been let go: layoff affects every employee in some way. Those who remain also feel loss: loss of co-workers whom they have come to depend on personally and/or professionally, loss of the perception of a secure, predictable, benevolent work environment. They may feel guilty about seeing people they really care about lose their job while they keep theirs. They may worry and wonder what happened to those who left.
Layoff survivors may also struggle with:
• Wondering when and if there will be another round of layoffs, even after learning that their job is ‘safe.’ Employees who leave (willingly or unwillingly) are at least free to start fresh and move on with their lives – lay-off survivors must continue to deal with uncertainty.
• Thinking that their future options for advancement and pay increases are limited and uncertain.
• Suddenly becoming uncomfortably aware of the areas in which they need to develop and their importance to the company.
• Worrying about making mistakes
• Fearing to take a break or a day off
• Taking on extra duties; working harder and faster
• Changes in their concentration, motivation, morale, commitment, and productivity.
In short, we grieve the loss of the way things were, and feel stress about an uncertain future. This article describes why and how we experience these feelings and how to minimize their disruption of our life.
The Mind-Body Response to a Traumatic Event
Before the Event:
Our body responds to images created in our mind. That is why we feel agitated when we interpret an event (regardless of whether these images arise out of a real or imaginary threat) as a big problem. Over the short-term, this stress or agitation many mobilize us to take action. But if your anxiety level remains high or increases over a prolonged period of time and nothing is done to manage it, we begin to ‘burn out’ from functioning non-stop on ‘red alert’.
After the Event:
Feelings of shock, disbelief, denial, guilt, and depression arise out of the trauma of losing something important, and being unable to prevent the loss. You may already be familiar with the stages of loss:
• Initially, we feel stunned, confused, unable to accept the situation and/or deny that the event has actually happened.
• Next, anger arises because we were powerless to prevent the loss of something really important: our anger is an outgrowth of our frustration.
• At some point, we may feel guilty and responsible for the loss; that somehow, we could have prevented it. We play endless “if only...” scenarios in our mind.
• Depression arises when we stop resisting reality, and the implications of the loss ‘hit home.’
• Eventually, we accept the situation- if we have given ourselves time and permission to feel and deal with negative emotions. We have only enough energy for facing forward toward the future or backward toward the past, but not both. In this stage, an understanding of the price we pay for hanging on indefinitely to angry, depressed feelings can help move us into a period of revitalization.
Thoughts from Survivors –
Helping Others
The following observations by employees whose jobs survived the layoff may give you some ideas to build on:
• I thought about what I’d say to other employees (before they actually approached me) who were upset about the layoff. How I said something turned out to be more important than what I said.
• Really listen: it is healing to be listened to. People in crisis need to talk about how they feel. Too often, instead of listening, I realize that I’m actually processing my own thoughts. When it’s my turn to talk, I react by telling the person how I feel, or about a similar experience. This is not very helpful.
• Don’t assume that an older worker, or one whose family has other means of support, accepts or is comfortable with a layoff.
Helping Yourself:
• I can’t control what happens to me, but I can control my response. Instead of becoming preoccupied with rumors and worrying about the security of my position, I made an effort to keep moving forward. I concentrated on building my education and skill level. I learned as much as possible about the requirements of the new parts of my job, and how to improve what I’d been doing all along.
• I wasn’t used to cutting myself any slack, but this time, I gave myself time to adjust to and accept the changes in my organization.
• I didn’t make any major decisions during the most stressful times.
• When I’m stressed, I tend to think negatively about my ability and experience. So, I tried to focus on my strengths and competencies rather than on my shortcomings.
• I found a few good listeners, and avoided people who were negative and critical in their outlook.
• My work will never really be finished. So, instead of grinding away all day long, I take short relaxation breaks. I finish a few pages of a novel or read the newspaper for five minutes. Others do stretching or breathing exercises, or walk twice around the halls.
• Outside the office, I do something to balance my work and free time. When I give myself a real break on weekends, I am more productive during the week. I only pick activities that I look forward to: I never force myself to ‘have fun.’
• During our last downsizing, I took a look at the rest of my life. I found that I was putting up with high stress levels at home too. The family ended up in counseling.
• I was angry at the company for laying-off my friend. She knew this, and said something like, ‘People are angry, whether at the company, at the union, the government, the world or themselves, don’t do as well as those who adopt a non-blaming practical view of their situation.” I got angry at her for saying this, but of course, she was right. I decided to view layoffs and job realignment as a way of life. I am working on developing an identity outside of work. I’ve come to realize that a sense of security must exist within me, not in my job or partner.
• The members of our downsized work group decided to have lunch together once a week to discuss the changes in the workplace. Not only did we get our feelings off our chest, we actually came up with a number of recommendations that our manager asked us to implement. To than us, she’s picked up the tab for several of these lunches.
• I’m making myself marketable, within my company. Is started to look at my career like a business venture: I asked the people who have a stake in the success of my job for input in figuring out how to be most successful. This helps keep my skill level visible, developed, and focused.
• In times of intense change, we are all constantly changing directions. This made me anxious, so I unconsciously created more work for myself by keeping an eye on things that I wouldn’t have watched before. I was always trying to anticipate the next change – waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was becoming a wreck. My friend’s favorite saying is ‘live in the present moment.’ I’m trying to follow her advice.
• At some point, it occurred to me that I might actually be better off than before the layoffs. Yes, I have more work, but I also have more variety and autonomy.
• My grandmother used to comfort us during tough times by saying, “Most growth occurs in ways we do not choose.” I have invariably found this correct.
Suggestions from the Experts:
Keep things in Perspective:
• I’ve been through change before; what have I learned that can help me now?
• What area of my life can I turn to for support?
• Some people find that repeating certain positive phrases to themselves helps them to accept change more easily. For example:
o This is only temporary; it will pass
o Every cloud has a silver lining
o Do I want to spend energy worrying about this?
Maintain your physical fitness:
• Exercise can stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which reduce depression and stress.
Eat right:
• What you eat directly affects they way you feel.
• Limit your intake of caffeine.
• Eat smaller portions: you’ll be able to digest your food more easily.
• Resist the temptation to turn to alcohol or drugs.
Practice relaxation technique:
Body Scan
• Scan your body, looking for tension.
• At each tense place, take a deep breath and imagine the tension being swept away as you exhale.
• Repeat a relaxing phrase to yourself (like: I feel peaceful and still)
• Look into the study of yoga, t’ai chi, meditation
Get the support of others:
• Let those close to you know that you’re adjusting to a difficult change.
• Seek professional help if the effects of stress interfere with your ability to function normally.
No matter how you deal with changes in your workplace, “…you remain a rare and unique individual, no matter how the world of work treats you. Your worth is not defined simply by your work, but by your spirit, your heart, and your compassion toward others.” (Richard Bolles, 1994)
A job provides a sense of belonging, security, and identify; in fact, many people define themselves by what they do for a living. Attachment to a job is accompanied by feelings of control, known expectations and loyalty. A threat to job security threatens much more than a loss of income.
One doesn’t have to personally experience losing his/her job to understand the traumatic effects of layoff on those who have been let go: layoff affects every employee in some way. Those who remain also feel loss: loss of co-workers whom they have come to depend on personally and/or professionally, loss of the perception of a secure, predictable, benevolent work environment. They may feel guilty about seeing people they really care about lose their job while they keep theirs. They may worry and wonder what happened to those who left.
Layoff survivors may also struggle with:
• Wondering when and if there will be another round of layoffs, even after learning that their job is ‘safe.’ Employees who leave (willingly or unwillingly) are at least free to start fresh and move on with their lives – lay-off survivors must continue to deal with uncertainty.
• Thinking that their future options for advancement and pay increases are limited and uncertain.
• Suddenly becoming uncomfortably aware of the areas in which they need to develop and their importance to the company.
• Worrying about making mistakes
• Fearing to take a break or a day off
• Taking on extra duties; working harder and faster
• Changes in their concentration, motivation, morale, commitment, and productivity.
In short, we grieve the loss of the way things were, and feel stress about an uncertain future. This article describes why and how we experience these feelings and how to minimize their disruption of our life.
The Mind-Body Response to a Traumatic Event
Before the Event:
Our body responds to images created in our mind. That is why we feel agitated when we interpret an event (regardless of whether these images arise out of a real or imaginary threat) as a big problem. Over the short-term, this stress or agitation many mobilize us to take action. But if your anxiety level remains high or increases over a prolonged period of time and nothing is done to manage it, we begin to ‘burn out’ from functioning non-stop on ‘red alert’.
After the Event:
Feelings of shock, disbelief, denial, guilt, and depression arise out of the trauma of losing something important, and being unable to prevent the loss. You may already be familiar with the stages of loss:
• Initially, we feel stunned, confused, unable to accept the situation and/or deny that the event has actually happened.
• Next, anger arises because we were powerless to prevent the loss of something really important: our anger is an outgrowth of our frustration.
• At some point, we may feel guilty and responsible for the loss; that somehow, we could have prevented it. We play endless “if only...” scenarios in our mind.
• Depression arises when we stop resisting reality, and the implications of the loss ‘hit home.’
• Eventually, we accept the situation- if we have given ourselves time and permission to feel and deal with negative emotions. We have only enough energy for facing forward toward the future or backward toward the past, but not both. In this stage, an understanding of the price we pay for hanging on indefinitely to angry, depressed feelings can help move us into a period of revitalization.
Thoughts from Survivors –
Helping Others
The following observations by employees whose jobs survived the layoff may give you some ideas to build on:
• I thought about what I’d say to other employees (before they actually approached me) who were upset about the layoff. How I said something turned out to be more important than what I said.
• Really listen: it is healing to be listened to. People in crisis need to talk about how they feel. Too often, instead of listening, I realize that I’m actually processing my own thoughts. When it’s my turn to talk, I react by telling the person how I feel, or about a similar experience. This is not very helpful.
• Don’t assume that an older worker, or one whose family has other means of support, accepts or is comfortable with a layoff.
Helping Yourself:
• I can’t control what happens to me, but I can control my response. Instead of becoming preoccupied with rumors and worrying about the security of my position, I made an effort to keep moving forward. I concentrated on building my education and skill level. I learned as much as possible about the requirements of the new parts of my job, and how to improve what I’d been doing all along.
• I wasn’t used to cutting myself any slack, but this time, I gave myself time to adjust to and accept the changes in my organization.
• I didn’t make any major decisions during the most stressful times.
• When I’m stressed, I tend to think negatively about my ability and experience. So, I tried to focus on my strengths and competencies rather than on my shortcomings.
• I found a few good listeners, and avoided people who were negative and critical in their outlook.
• My work will never really be finished. So, instead of grinding away all day long, I take short relaxation breaks. I finish a few pages of a novel or read the newspaper for five minutes. Others do stretching or breathing exercises, or walk twice around the halls.
• Outside the office, I do something to balance my work and free time. When I give myself a real break on weekends, I am more productive during the week. I only pick activities that I look forward to: I never force myself to ‘have fun.’
• During our last downsizing, I took a look at the rest of my life. I found that I was putting up with high stress levels at home too. The family ended up in counseling.
• I was angry at the company for laying-off my friend. She knew this, and said something like, ‘People are angry, whether at the company, at the union, the government, the world or themselves, don’t do as well as those who adopt a non-blaming practical view of their situation.” I got angry at her for saying this, but of course, she was right. I decided to view layoffs and job realignment as a way of life. I am working on developing an identity outside of work. I’ve come to realize that a sense of security must exist within me, not in my job or partner.
• The members of our downsized work group decided to have lunch together once a week to discuss the changes in the workplace. Not only did we get our feelings off our chest, we actually came up with a number of recommendations that our manager asked us to implement. To than us, she’s picked up the tab for several of these lunches.
• I’m making myself marketable, within my company. Is started to look at my career like a business venture: I asked the people who have a stake in the success of my job for input in figuring out how to be most successful. This helps keep my skill level visible, developed, and focused.
• In times of intense change, we are all constantly changing directions. This made me anxious, so I unconsciously created more work for myself by keeping an eye on things that I wouldn’t have watched before. I was always trying to anticipate the next change – waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was becoming a wreck. My friend’s favorite saying is ‘live in the present moment.’ I’m trying to follow her advice.
• At some point, it occurred to me that I might actually be better off than before the layoffs. Yes, I have more work, but I also have more variety and autonomy.
• My grandmother used to comfort us during tough times by saying, “Most growth occurs in ways we do not choose.” I have invariably found this correct.
Suggestions from the Experts:
Keep things in Perspective:
• I’ve been through change before; what have I learned that can help me now?
• What area of my life can I turn to for support?
• Some people find that repeating certain positive phrases to themselves helps them to accept change more easily. For example:
o This is only temporary; it will pass
o Every cloud has a silver lining
o Do I want to spend energy worrying about this?
Maintain your physical fitness:
• Exercise can stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which reduce depression and stress.
Eat right:
• What you eat directly affects they way you feel.
• Limit your intake of caffeine.
• Eat smaller portions: you’ll be able to digest your food more easily.
• Resist the temptation to turn to alcohol or drugs.
Practice relaxation technique:
Body Scan
• Scan your body, looking for tension.
• At each tense place, take a deep breath and imagine the tension being swept away as you exhale.
• Repeat a relaxing phrase to yourself (like: I feel peaceful and still)
• Look into the study of yoga, t’ai chi, meditation
Get the support of others:
• Let those close to you know that you’re adjusting to a difficult change.
• Seek professional help if the effects of stress interfere with your ability to function normally.
No matter how you deal with changes in your workplace, “…you remain a rare and unique individual, no matter how the world of work treats you. Your worth is not defined simply by your work, but by your spirit, your heart, and your compassion toward others.” (Richard Bolles, 1994)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
When You're Laid Off
Written by Karen Clevering
If you've just recently experienced a lay off or you are expecting one, there are a lot of things to do and issues to take care of. The financial stress of unemployment and job searching can also take a toll on your health. Here are some tips to help you manage your stress, organize your life, an prepare for your new job or career in the future.
If you anticipate a layoff--
Whether you have a 'gut' feeling or notice some imminent signs, you may have a sense that due to tough cutbacks your job might be eliminated. The best thing to do is plan for it. Here are a few suggestions:
If you've just recently experienced a lay off or you are expecting one, there are a lot of things to do and issues to take care of. The financial stress of unemployment and job searching can also take a toll on your health. Here are some tips to help you manage your stress, organize your life, an prepare for your new job or career in the future.
If you anticipate a layoff--
Whether you have a 'gut' feeling or notice some imminent signs, you may have a sense that due to tough cutbacks your job might be eliminated. The best thing to do is plan for it. Here are a few suggestions:
- Start to cut back on spending right away
- Take advantage of your medical benefits. Get a good physical exam and see your dentist. If you need help sorting things out, consider counseling.
- Maintain positive interactions at work. Realize that everyone is feeling more anxious, and as difficult as it may be, don't burn bridges. You will need references from your current supervisor and/or co-workers.
- Inform your spouse or partner of the possibility of a layoff. It will help them cope with the change if it does happen and plan ahead.
- Take care of yourself. Find ways to release stress.
- Update your resume
- Start networking now, both professionally and personally. Begin looking at other job possibilities.
You've Just Been Laid Off -- Now What?
If you've just been laid off, you're probably a little overwhelmed by what the future might hold. Certainly you have many opportunities before you, but it's very challenging to see this if you've just received the news. Sometimes it's just easier to focus on the steps and take things day by day.
Accept Emotions
Anger, rage, sadness, fear, anxiety, or mixtures of all are very common. It's important to recognize that all of these feelings are valid. Your first step is to sort through these feelings.Losing your job is a substantial loss, so be sure to allow yourself the freedom to grieve your loss. Grieving is part of the healing process and can help you gain closure and move forward to new opportunities and careers
Talk with Your Family
It's very important to let those close to you know what has occurred, especially our kids. You may think that shielding them from this information may protect them, but children pick up on differences in your behavior or schedule and may believe something much worse has happened. Be prepared to answer questions but also share with them your positive attitude and your excitement about new opportunities.
Asses you Financial Situation
Living on a limited income is a challenge or anyone, but with careful and deliberate budgeting you can ease some of the stress:
Find out how much money you have from savings, unemployment, and severance package
Contact your unemployment office and see how soon you can apply. This depends on your severance package and can take a few weeks to process.
Calculate the necessary monthly expenses including rent/mortgage, utilities, food, credit card payments, and transportation. You might also want to consider COBRA or alternate health care costs.
Determine a reasonable time frame for finding a job by assessing how many months your savings ca last. Keep this timeline in mind when you begin to plan your job search.It's also good to make contingency plans. Is it possible for your spouse/partner to start working full time? Where can you cut back? Do you have credit cards available for emergencies? You may want to contact your creditors and inform them of your situation and ask about different payment plans. Consumer Credit Counseling offices may also be helpful.
Take Care of Yourself
At this potentially stressful time, it is very important to take care of yourself...both physically and emotionally. Get your annual check-ups before your health insurance ends and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are taking steps to reduce stress. Here are a few suggestions:
Challenge yourself to see the positive. View crises or problems as opportunities or learning experiences.
Eliminate negative self-talk. Stop saying, "I can't" or other similar phrases
Remember that it's ok to make mistakes. Don't hold yourself and others to unfair expectations of perfection.
Accept that there are some things you cannot change. You could spend hours thinking about things that you cannot change and it would make the situation worse, losing both energy and time and increasing stress. It's best to recognize that you are not happy with something, accept it, and move on.
Stop worrying about past decisions. Eliminate the phrase, "I should have" from your vocabulary. It's not helpful and only reduces your self-esteem. It's best to try to learn from the decision and apply this lesson.
Eat a balance, nutritious diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. a healthy diet will give your body and mind the proper vitamins and minerals it needs to perform.
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. When you are well rested, you can face problems easier and they may not be so stressful.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, and if you smoke, quit. It takes extra energy to process the chemical in these substances.
Monitor you r breathing. Take deep slow breathes to increase oxygen supply throughout your body when you feel stressed or anxious.
Exercise. Not only does exercise improve your cardiovascular health, but it also gives you a good outlet for stress and anxiety.
Try new ways to relive stress. Consider yoga, meditation, or doing your favorite craft activity.
Use your Support System
Friends and family can provide a lot of energy and encouragement. Choose to spend time with friends who have a positive outlook. It may also help to talk regularly with another job-hunter so that you have someone to spur you on and with whom to share your experiences and perceptions.
Next Steps--
Moving from a layoff to a new career can take more time than you think, so it's important to create an action plan for your next steps in this journey. Having a plan will help you structure your days and give you guidance and assurance during slow periods.
What Do You Want To Do?
Your first step in creating a plan is deciding what you want to explore next. The logical step may be to find a similar job in a similar field. However, many individuals discover that their layoff can be the launching pad to something very different from their previous career. if you have lost interest and excitement in your career path, or you just want to try something else, this may be an excellent time to explore new opportunities by going back to school for an advanced degree or certification. Look for jobs that apply your skills in a different way.
If you are interested in exploring a new career or would like to go back to school, consider taking an aptitude test or other assessment that can help you identify your interests and strengths. Many community colleges and vocational schools provide these services and workshops. You can also take many of these assessments online. Consulting a professional career counselor is another excellent option. However, their prices may be cost-prohibitive for many.
Your local One-Stop Center (MI Works!) is a good place to start your job search. It may provide information regarding the job retraining you are seeking. They are created to help provide a full range of assistance to job seekers under one roof. It may provide information in the following areas:
Unemployment insurance
Pension benefits and health insurance coverage
Job search assistance
Job referrals
Local are job openings
Resume assistance Job training
To find your local One Stop Center visit: http://www.careeronestop.org
If you are considering changing your career, this is a good time to reevaluate your strengths, job skills, and accomplishments. Look at the job market and the availability of career counseling to help give you an objective look at your situation. Career counselors can help you with your resume, show you interviewing techniques, and help you present yourself in the most positive light.
Determine a Timeline
Using what you know about your finances and information about the next steps you want to take on your career journey, create a timeline for achieving your goal. One way to do this is to pick the date by which you hope to be employed and then work backwards taking into account time for interviews and networking.
Think of your job seeking activities as your new full time job. Your first task should be to revise your resume. Begin each week with a schedule and a list of activities or phone calls to make each day. Each activity should be directed toward your ultimate goal of a new job. your job now is to market yourself to everyone you talk to or write to.
Networking and Community Resources
Many jobs come through networking, so don't be shy about telling everyone you come in contact with that you are looking for a job, what you want to do, and about your experience. Go on informational interviews; set up meetings with people who work in the field you're interested in. Find out about the company, their outlook an future opportunities in the industry.
Apply and Find a Job
While it may not seem hat easy at times, finding a job is a profess, and when you follow the appropriate steps you increase your chances of success. Send out cover letters and resumes where appropriate and always send a personal thank you after any interview.
Value Yourself
As you go through his transition phase, be sure to take time to value yourself for your strengths and your past accomplishments and don't forget that you are learning a lot and gaining experience during this experience.
Coping with Job Loss
Written by Paul H. Tobias and Susan Sauter
The impact of termination goes well beyond sharing a family's financial security. Job loss ranks with death and divorce as one of life's most stressful events. Strong negative emotions -- anger, inadequacy, humiliation, anxiety, depression, and a host of other feelings--are not uncommon and are fully understandable following job loss.Nevertheless, negative emotions are not conducive to moving forward. If you start taking them along in your personal relationships and job interviews, they can be destructive.Job loss is also a very personal experience, which people handle in very individual ways. Maintaining a positive outlook may not come easily to everyone, and may require serious effort on your part. A sincere effort to follow some of the following suggestions, however, should be beneficial.
1. Let Your Support System be SupportiveTrusted family members and friends will want to be helpful.
Let them! This is not the time to push people away. Resist the temptation to close others off because you don't want to be a burden or a bore. You are still the same person with the same good traits you had before you lost your job. It is important for you and those closest to you to understand that you need time to cope and recover. Don't think you have to 'got it alone' or 'tough it out.' It is when you shut others out that the pressures and frustrations take their greatest toll.When 'coping' doesn't alleviate feelings of grief, fear, or anger, enlist the help of family members, friends, neighbors, and/or others who share your problems to establish support groups and to network. Asking for help is hard, but it is not admitting defeat; on the contrary, it is an indication of your intention to take control of your life.
2. Stay Active:
Do not remain idle while you are between jobs. Inactivity aggravates negative thoughts and feelings. Institute a routine and try to stick with it.Mental health experts agree we feel better when we are busy, especially when our thoughts are directed outside ourselves. Many people, whether or not they are employed, derive great satisfaction from performing volunteer work. For people who are out of work, volunteering has the added benefit of helping them maintain or enhance their job-related skills and may create an opportunity to learn new skills and develop new interests. Another plus is hat working in a new setting and meeting new people can broaden their network. This is also a good time to tackle projects around the house and catch up on reading. But don't let these activities distract you from getting out and doing what it takes to get a new job.
3. Allocate your Resources Carefully:
The loss of a steady paycheck can have a devastating financial impact, even in a two-income family. Develop a budget with your family, letting each member put forward their priorities. Work out a schedule of payments with your creditors, and avoid accumulating new debt as much as you possibly can. If necessary, seek help from your local consumer credit counseling organization.
4. Keep Fit and Healthy:
Nutrition: Nutritionists tell us that stress lowers the level of serotonin, a natural mood lifter, in the brain and that eating carbohydrates ups the serotonin level, making people feel more relaxed. Some experts also suggest that eating balanced, smaller, more frequent meals helps calm a jittery stomach. Since the body has a strong need for nourishment during stress periods, it is wise to avoid processed foods and refined sugars and eat whole foods such as fruits and vegetables instead. Experts say that a poor diet can leave you more vulnerable to the negative aspects of stress and more susceptible to illness.
Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of stress. it is also a good way to improve your overall physical and mental health. Research has identified several physical changes accompanying physical exercise. These positive changes include improved functioning of heart and lungs better muscle tone, increased energy, weight control and improved sleeping patterns. Regular vigorous, physical exercise is perhaps the most natural as well as the most beneficial, method of dealing with stress and tension. A well-conditioned body is best suited to handle stress. Exercise gives the body a chance to use the hormones that stressful situations pump into the bloodstream. It also prepares the body to handle more stress by increasing strength and endurance; reducing aches, pain and stiffness; lowering blood pressure; and increasing cardiac output by using up adrenalin which may be tensing muscles.
5. Steer Clear Of Drugs and Alcohol
Sometimes people who feel overwhelmed by job loss seek relief in drugs and alcohol. These substances only mask stress symptoms. They do not help you adjust to the stress itself. Turning to them can cause more stress in the long run than it relieves. Prescription medications such as sedatives or antidepressants are sometimes helpful in balancing a person's response to stress, but must be taken only under a doctor's directions and supervision.
6. Rest and Sleep
Stress often produces insomnia or fitful sleep. Some techniques people can use to put themselves to sleep include progressive relaxation (sequentially tensing and fully releasing the muscles from head to food), deep breathing (slowly inhaling and exhaling to a count of 10), and visualization (picturing a peaceful landscape or other pleasant vista).
7. Join a Support Group
People who share your situation may be better prepared to listen and respond to your concerns than even the most well-meaning friends or relatives. With a group of people who understand what you are going through, you can let off steam, get feedback on your activities and give others the benefit of your wisdom. Many communities have support groups for job seekers that exchange tips and valuable information on the job market. You can usually find a support group by contacting your YMCA, YWCA, or library. Sometimes employment agencies can lead you to a group that matches your needs.
8. Keep your Journal
Some people find that writing things down provides a useful outlet and also helps them think through their problems. If you are planning to appeal your termination or take legal action, it is essential to make notes of the events as they occur, before your memory fades. Anger needs an outlet. When you are angry at someone or something and cannot express it in person, vent your anger by writing down what angers you. Don't analyze or organize the information, just let it pour out onto the paper. After you are done, take the pages and crumple them up, stomp on them, rip them up, and dump them (where they won't be found). According to Helen Lerner, the author of Stress Breakers, "These symbolic actions, combined with the physical energy spent doing this, maximizes the emotional releases.
9. Seek Professional Counseling
Maintaining your emotional well being is as important during this time as securing your financial future. If--after trying these coping mechanisms--you still find yourself frequently depressed, dwelling on the past, harboring thoughts of revenge, drinking excessively, or resorting to drugs to mask your feelings, you may want to ask a professional psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker for help.
Asking for professional help is not a sign of weakness, nor does it indicate a lack of self sufficiency. A well-trained professional can usually provide great relief while helping you to deal with your feeling and focus on the future. Your family doctor or minister can help you locate someone, as can organization such as your local family service agency, mental health association, Jewish social services, or Catholic Charities. These and may other agencies that can offer assistance are listed in the Yellow Pages.
10. Make time to Have a Good Time
Don't overlook the value of a good times either on your own or with others. Even if you think you're not in the mood, you'll probably have a good time once you are out doing something you enjoy. In his book, Anatomy of an illness, Norman Cousins wrote, "It has always seemed to me that hearty laughter is a good way to job internally without having to go outdoors." Experts say that daily laughter makes you feel happier, healthier, more self-confident, and relaxed.
The impact of termination goes well beyond sharing a family's financial security. Job loss ranks with death and divorce as one of life's most stressful events. Strong negative emotions -- anger, inadequacy, humiliation, anxiety, depression, and a host of other feelings--are not uncommon and are fully understandable following job loss.Nevertheless, negative emotions are not conducive to moving forward. If you start taking them along in your personal relationships and job interviews, they can be destructive.Job loss is also a very personal experience, which people handle in very individual ways. Maintaining a positive outlook may not come easily to everyone, and may require serious effort on your part. A sincere effort to follow some of the following suggestions, however, should be beneficial.
1. Let Your Support System be SupportiveTrusted family members and friends will want to be helpful.
Let them! This is not the time to push people away. Resist the temptation to close others off because you don't want to be a burden or a bore. You are still the same person with the same good traits you had before you lost your job. It is important for you and those closest to you to understand that you need time to cope and recover. Don't think you have to 'got it alone' or 'tough it out.' It is when you shut others out that the pressures and frustrations take their greatest toll.When 'coping' doesn't alleviate feelings of grief, fear, or anger, enlist the help of family members, friends, neighbors, and/or others who share your problems to establish support groups and to network. Asking for help is hard, but it is not admitting defeat; on the contrary, it is an indication of your intention to take control of your life.
2. Stay Active:
Do not remain idle while you are between jobs. Inactivity aggravates negative thoughts and feelings. Institute a routine and try to stick with it.Mental health experts agree we feel better when we are busy, especially when our thoughts are directed outside ourselves. Many people, whether or not they are employed, derive great satisfaction from performing volunteer work. For people who are out of work, volunteering has the added benefit of helping them maintain or enhance their job-related skills and may create an opportunity to learn new skills and develop new interests. Another plus is hat working in a new setting and meeting new people can broaden their network. This is also a good time to tackle projects around the house and catch up on reading. But don't let these activities distract you from getting out and doing what it takes to get a new job.
3. Allocate your Resources Carefully:
The loss of a steady paycheck can have a devastating financial impact, even in a two-income family. Develop a budget with your family, letting each member put forward their priorities. Work out a schedule of payments with your creditors, and avoid accumulating new debt as much as you possibly can. If necessary, seek help from your local consumer credit counseling organization.
4. Keep Fit and Healthy:
Nutrition: Nutritionists tell us that stress lowers the level of serotonin, a natural mood lifter, in the brain and that eating carbohydrates ups the serotonin level, making people feel more relaxed. Some experts also suggest that eating balanced, smaller, more frequent meals helps calm a jittery stomach. Since the body has a strong need for nourishment during stress periods, it is wise to avoid processed foods and refined sugars and eat whole foods such as fruits and vegetables instead. Experts say that a poor diet can leave you more vulnerable to the negative aspects of stress and more susceptible to illness.
Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the effects of stress. it is also a good way to improve your overall physical and mental health. Research has identified several physical changes accompanying physical exercise. These positive changes include improved functioning of heart and lungs better muscle tone, increased energy, weight control and improved sleeping patterns. Regular vigorous, physical exercise is perhaps the most natural as well as the most beneficial, method of dealing with stress and tension. A well-conditioned body is best suited to handle stress. Exercise gives the body a chance to use the hormones that stressful situations pump into the bloodstream. It also prepares the body to handle more stress by increasing strength and endurance; reducing aches, pain and stiffness; lowering blood pressure; and increasing cardiac output by using up adrenalin which may be tensing muscles.
5. Steer Clear Of Drugs and Alcohol
Sometimes people who feel overwhelmed by job loss seek relief in drugs and alcohol. These substances only mask stress symptoms. They do not help you adjust to the stress itself. Turning to them can cause more stress in the long run than it relieves. Prescription medications such as sedatives or antidepressants are sometimes helpful in balancing a person's response to stress, but must be taken only under a doctor's directions and supervision.
6. Rest and Sleep
Stress often produces insomnia or fitful sleep. Some techniques people can use to put themselves to sleep include progressive relaxation (sequentially tensing and fully releasing the muscles from head to food), deep breathing (slowly inhaling and exhaling to a count of 10), and visualization (picturing a peaceful landscape or other pleasant vista).
7. Join a Support Group
People who share your situation may be better prepared to listen and respond to your concerns than even the most well-meaning friends or relatives. With a group of people who understand what you are going through, you can let off steam, get feedback on your activities and give others the benefit of your wisdom. Many communities have support groups for job seekers that exchange tips and valuable information on the job market. You can usually find a support group by contacting your YMCA, YWCA, or library. Sometimes employment agencies can lead you to a group that matches your needs.
8. Keep your Journal
Some people find that writing things down provides a useful outlet and also helps them think through their problems. If you are planning to appeal your termination or take legal action, it is essential to make notes of the events as they occur, before your memory fades. Anger needs an outlet. When you are angry at someone or something and cannot express it in person, vent your anger by writing down what angers you. Don't analyze or organize the information, just let it pour out onto the paper. After you are done, take the pages and crumple them up, stomp on them, rip them up, and dump them (where they won't be found). According to Helen Lerner, the author of Stress Breakers, "These symbolic actions, combined with the physical energy spent doing this, maximizes the emotional releases.
9. Seek Professional Counseling
Maintaining your emotional well being is as important during this time as securing your financial future. If--after trying these coping mechanisms--you still find yourself frequently depressed, dwelling on the past, harboring thoughts of revenge, drinking excessively, or resorting to drugs to mask your feelings, you may want to ask a professional psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker for help.
Asking for professional help is not a sign of weakness, nor does it indicate a lack of self sufficiency. A well-trained professional can usually provide great relief while helping you to deal with your feeling and focus on the future. Your family doctor or minister can help you locate someone, as can organization such as your local family service agency, mental health association, Jewish social services, or Catholic Charities. These and may other agencies that can offer assistance are listed in the Yellow Pages.
10. Make time to Have a Good Time
Don't overlook the value of a good times either on your own or with others. Even if you think you're not in the mood, you'll probably have a good time once you are out doing something you enjoy. In his book, Anatomy of an illness, Norman Cousins wrote, "It has always seemed to me that hearty laughter is a good way to job internally without having to go outdoors." Experts say that daily laughter makes you feel happier, healthier, more self-confident, and relaxed.
Discussing Job Layoff with your Family
Written by Sue Truman
The loss of a job can put a big strain on the family. A complicated job search coupled with the stress of re-budgeting can try the strongest of relationships. Yet, most families are able to cope with and emerge stronger for the experience. Some families even find that new avenues of communication and appreciation for careful money management are acquired by both adults and children as a result of a job loss.Studies of families who cope well with difficult situations indicate the following:
Family members:
Adopt a 'can do' attitude focusing on the tasks needed to solve the problems
Maintain open lines of communication
Have input into the job seeking plan
Are able to express feelings without criticism
Avoid blaming
Maintain a positive outlook and a sense of humor
Provide mutual support
What to tell the kids:
If you have a partner or spouse, work together to manage the loss of a job. Decide when and how to break the news to your children. Review the family budget and decide what you can do without. Seek input from your children if you think it appropriate
Tell your children about the job loss in language they can understand. Be prepared to answer their questions. Reassure them that all will be well. When discussing a job loss, stress that it is a temporary situation and for a while, things will be a bit different and you need their help.
Breaking the News:
If you have preschool children, your explanation should be simple and concrete. It's important to tell them that the job loss is not their fault and Mom and/or Dad will take care of things. Mom or Dad may seem upset at times but it is not because of something the child did.
School age children are ready for more information. It is important that you share the basic facts with them. Children are intuitive. They know when something is wrong. If they do not know what the problem is, they may imagine something much worse than the reality. One child, after observing her mother at home during the day when she was normally at work, concluded that her Mom was dying of a terminal disease. Letting your children in on the facts decreases their anxiety and enables them to make a contribution and planning/problem solving process.
One of the developmental tasks of Adolescence is fitting in with peers. Clothes and material things become very important during this period. Thus, the teenager may feel threatened by a change in the family's financial situation. A teen may react to the news of a parts job loss with anger or resentment. It's important to listen to your teen's feelings and keep lines of communication open.
Family Meetings:
Family meetings are a good vehicle for discussing a job loss with your children. The family meeting provides a means of including them in some aspects of problem solving. Children are better able to cope with change if they know in advance what changes to expect. Regularly scheduled family meetings provide a forum for discussing these issues.
Having family meeting at least once a week or more often if you need to discuss new information or feelings need to be aired. Children will look to you as a role model during this time of change and stress.
Successful Family Meeting Tips
Discuss your job seeking plan and other changes in your routine that might affect your children
Share your feelings and listen to your children. All family members should have an opportunity to explore feelings in a noncritical environment.
Involve our children in some aspect of the family budgeting process. Use the job loss as an opportunity to help your children learn about money management. Take the children shopping. Let them 'comparison shop' for food and other items.
Use family meetings to plan weekly outings. There are many low cost activities for families. Read to your children, watch TV with them, picnic in the park, walk in the woods, enjoy an art project, visit old friends.
Seek Help if Necessary:
If you feel overwhelmed or your family is having difficulty coping, seek family counseling.
Professional counseling can:
Help minimize disruption and anxiety
Help promote problem solving and stability
Initiate positive communication among family members
Help improve relationships.
The loss of a job can put a big strain on the family. A complicated job search coupled with the stress of re-budgeting can try the strongest of relationships. Yet, most families are able to cope with and emerge stronger for the experience. Some families even find that new avenues of communication and appreciation for careful money management are acquired by both adults and children as a result of a job loss.Studies of families who cope well with difficult situations indicate the following:
Family members:
Adopt a 'can do' attitude focusing on the tasks needed to solve the problems
Maintain open lines of communication
Have input into the job seeking plan
Are able to express feelings without criticism
Avoid blaming
Maintain a positive outlook and a sense of humor
Provide mutual support
What to tell the kids:
If you have a partner or spouse, work together to manage the loss of a job. Decide when and how to break the news to your children. Review the family budget and decide what you can do without. Seek input from your children if you think it appropriate
Tell your children about the job loss in language they can understand. Be prepared to answer their questions. Reassure them that all will be well. When discussing a job loss, stress that it is a temporary situation and for a while, things will be a bit different and you need their help.
Breaking the News:
If you have preschool children, your explanation should be simple and concrete. It's important to tell them that the job loss is not their fault and Mom and/or Dad will take care of things. Mom or Dad may seem upset at times but it is not because of something the child did.
School age children are ready for more information. It is important that you share the basic facts with them. Children are intuitive. They know when something is wrong. If they do not know what the problem is, they may imagine something much worse than the reality. One child, after observing her mother at home during the day when she was normally at work, concluded that her Mom was dying of a terminal disease. Letting your children in on the facts decreases their anxiety and enables them to make a contribution and planning/problem solving process.
One of the developmental tasks of Adolescence is fitting in with peers. Clothes and material things become very important during this period. Thus, the teenager may feel threatened by a change in the family's financial situation. A teen may react to the news of a parts job loss with anger or resentment. It's important to listen to your teen's feelings and keep lines of communication open.
Family Meetings:
Family meetings are a good vehicle for discussing a job loss with your children. The family meeting provides a means of including them in some aspects of problem solving. Children are better able to cope with change if they know in advance what changes to expect. Regularly scheduled family meetings provide a forum for discussing these issues.
Having family meeting at least once a week or more often if you need to discuss new information or feelings need to be aired. Children will look to you as a role model during this time of change and stress.
Successful Family Meeting Tips
Discuss your job seeking plan and other changes in your routine that might affect your children
Share your feelings and listen to your children. All family members should have an opportunity to explore feelings in a noncritical environment.
Involve our children in some aspect of the family budgeting process. Use the job loss as an opportunity to help your children learn about money management. Take the children shopping. Let them 'comparison shop' for food and other items.
Use family meetings to plan weekly outings. There are many low cost activities for families. Read to your children, watch TV with them, picnic in the park, walk in the woods, enjoy an art project, visit old friends.
Seek Help if Necessary:
If you feel overwhelmed or your family is having difficulty coping, seek family counseling.
Professional counseling can:
Help minimize disruption and anxiety
Help promote problem solving and stability
Initiate positive communication among family members
Help improve relationships.
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