Transition

This is a speech I gave in my Toastmaster's group this morning....



Your boss calls you into his office. The room becomes quiet. He asks you to take a seat. There's a sad look in his eyes. You know it's not good news. The words you had hoped never to hear come pouring out of his mouth - "I'm sorry", he says, "The economy has hit our business hard and many of our clients are unable to pay their bills. We need to downsize. Today will be your last day."


At that point, it doesn't matter what else they say about how much they like you, how much they value your work, how much they want to help you find another position. All of the air has been sucked out of the room, and your only thought is "How can this be happening to me?"


Have you ever been here? Are you afraid in this economy that you might be here soon? Let me offer a few lessons I've learned after being laid off 6 times in 10 years.


This is probably the most important tip - for the first 24 hours - DO NOTHING. You can tell your spouse or those closest to you, but resist the urge to update your resume, file for unemployment or any other action. You truly need that first day to process what has happened in your life. Take 2-3 days if you need it, just don't make any major decisions while you are still in shock.


After the initial shock, spend some time reflecting on your current situation. At this point, go ahead and file for unemployment, but you may want to hold off on updating your resume and sending it out to headhunters or on the internet. Okay, I know you think I'm crazy, but this market has changed. You can't just throw a resume out there and expect to get a job right away, let alone the job of your dreams.


During this reflection period, think back to what you liked about your last job and what you didn't like. Were you moving towards goals you had for your life, or were you just doing a job? Were you in an environment that encouraged personal growth, or were you just expected to do whatever was asked by the higher-ups?


As you reflect, spend time dreaming. Do you really enjoy the line of work you are in, or would you like to try something new. Many people have had it drilled into their heads that they can't pursue their dream because there is no money in it. I choose to follow the words of Rush Limbaugh - find something you love and you will never work another day in your life.


Do you want to work for someone or would you like to try something on your own? Challenging times can spur us to action we previously did not believe possible. One of our politicians recently said we should never waste a good crisis because it gives us the opportunity to make decisions in the future that we were unwilling to consider in the past.


Now that you have your dream and your goals, what do you need to accomplish them? Do you need additional education? This might be a good time to finally get that college degree, teaching credential, MBA, CPA, etc.


If you choose to work for an employer, now is the time to update that resume. Have someone look it over who is knowledgeable in this area. Meet with headhunters to find out the market conditions. Renew acquaintances with people in the line of work you are aiming for. Use tools like Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, but don't rely on them solely. In this tough job market, the personal touch is always best, so don't be afraid to pound the pavement.


If you choose to try something on your own, you have a lot of decisions to make. What do I want to name this venture? Do I need a business license? What kind of business cards, flyers, etc. do I need to promote my business? What kind of networking groups would be valuable to me? Do I have all the tools I need to start my business? Do I need to apply for a business loan? Do I have the discipline it takes to do my own business? This is a key question, because only you will be forcing yourself to get going in the morning, to make wise use of your time, etc. Do you have something to offer that people are willing to pay for? Is this product or service right for the current economy? For example, I personally would not start a high-end boutique business right now. Even the rich find it unfashionable to spend money on luxuries right now while so many are suffering.


Maybe you want to start your own business, but just aren't quite ready to take the plunge. Don't let go of the dream. Perhaps find a job that you enjoy, even if it pays less than you were making previously. Continue taking steps toward your dream. Work for your new employer as if it were your own business. Get that additional education. Start a business on the side. Network marketing businesses are a great way to develop business skills that will enhance any line of work you choose to follow. Read good books, like Robert Kyosoki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. Listen to tapes that educate and feed your mind. Surround yourself with people who have positive, can-do attitudes.


The most important thing is this - you must believe in yourself. Being laid off or fired is one of the most ego-deflating things that can happen in your career. But this is not the end, it is only the beginning! Remember - don't make any major decisions for the first few days. Come back to the dreams you've been setting aside for years. Develop an action plan to achieve those dreams. Then, take the first step into the next glorious chapter of your life.