I've been there. Done that. And, no I didn't get a t-shirt. These times are tough and it helps to be prepared. People have called me a "survivor" and even a "thriver". What's my big secret? I just get up in the morning and I keep on going. Here are some thoughts that may help you or someone you know get back on their feet.
1. Build your network - keep your posting on LinkedIn up to date and when you do, describe what you do in language that someone outside of your immediate workplace can relate to. Go to events in your industry regularly and stay in touch with others in your field on a regular basis. No one likes to get a call from someone just when they need something. And, don't leave all of your contacts on your company equipment. Just heard about a woman the other day who got laid off unexpectedly and got walked to her office to clean things out while HR watched. She had to hand over her company paid for cell phone and laptop with all of her contacts on it because she hadn't backed anything up. Don't let that be you.
2. Be flexible - years ago, I started my own marketing consulting firm and I always keep the website up to date even though I'm not looking for consulting as I've got a full time job. When it comes to consulting, I'll do what ever a client needs me to do. I've been a part-time PR person, I've rewritten multiple websites, and I've done events management. As companies downsize, they are still going to need to get stuff done. While they may not be able to bring on full time people, they can still bring people on for project work. This is not a time to be picky about how you can help an organization out.
3. Keep your skills up - I don't twitter or blog because I have no life. I do it because I'm teaching myself social networking skills. Now, I am a marketing geek and I'm having fun with social networking, but I keep up with it because that's a big way that organizations are marketing themselves. Is there something new that you can learn that would be of value to an organization in your industry? Go out and learn it.
4. Get through the stages of grief quickly - I get that it's no fun to be told you don't have a job any more and to have to pack your boxes and drive home in the middle of the day because I've been there. All I know is that many people will want to help you out and you'll do best at taking them up on their offers of help when you get yourself to a good place again. Stay home and don't take calls or e-mails for a while if you're not up to it, but don't let it go on too long. Put a smile on your face and get back out there. And when you do, keep yourself surrounded with positive people.
5. Become a believer in karma - this one may sound a little odd, but it's important. What goes around comes around. When people don't treat other people right, it comes back to them. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually it does. Make sure your karma is good. Now that you have extra time on your hands, do something nice for someone else. Get more involved in an organization that you've only had time to be a member of. They'll probably be excited to have your extra time and talents and doing some work for them is a good way to justify your time while you're looking for something new.
Being "in transition" or "between gigs" is no fun as most of us have lives that are dependent on a regular paycheck. If you're not there yet, take this time to get prepared just in case. And, if you are there, hopefully these tips will be of help. As a high tech marketing professional, it's inevitable that I've gotten to experience being laid off. The reality is that things change and you've just got to keep changing with the times if you want to be a part of business today.
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