How to Prepare for a Potential Job Loss
"In the last six months, I had two job losses and my income has taken a big hit. I am looking for any work at all but can't find anything. Do you have any advice?"
Stagnation isn't always something to be fearful of. Sometimes, it's actually a good thing when it comes to finding employment - as long as you're prepared for that.
A lot of your potential employers are going to be making a quick assessment of their wants and needs in regards to your qualifications and experience. If you're losing money, they aren't going to want you around.
What you're probably not thinking about is how you would go about finding work if the worst were to happen - or if things don't improve. In certain situations, being able to relate your story is actually a plus - even though it might not seem in your favor at first glance.
This article is designed to deal with all sorts of employment issues that bring the prospect of job loss into play.
Read on and learn how to prepare for the possibility of job loss.
The First Access Difficulty: You Aren't Interested in Your Current Employer
What's the worst that could happen? You're laid off and have to go about finding new employment. If this is something you're at least open to, you'll be able to create a strategy that will help you succeed when it comes time for your next job hunt.
You could do what many do and simply apply for another position at the same company - but as we've discussed before, this is often a potentially disastrous thing to do. The reason? You aren't going to get a new job with them and they're probably not going to want you back.
If that's the case and you know it, you have to do at least one thing right: Get your LinkedIn profile up to date. This is especially true since current employers are going to be looking at it, too. Your LinkedIn profile will be the go-to source for many potential employers - and that means there's a good chance they'll read it before they even bother looking into your resume.
Make sure your profile is complete and accurate - without sounding like a liar or scammer or anything else that may make you unattractive to potential employers.
This is where the art of storytelling comes in. Write a letter to your former company and tell them how much you enjoyed working there - or how poorly things went when you left. Tell them how proud you are of the work you did while there and that they can expect great things from you in the future.
Don't use this as an opportunity to trash talk your old employer because they fired you. Show that they made a mistake, but that's all in the past.
The Second Difficulty: You're Not Interested in Your Current Employer - but There's Something Else
You aren't interested in your current employer, but you know that there are some things about them that could be a fit for you. These might include their location, the type of work they do, or their mission statement. Maybe there's something about them that you're just not fond of - and seeing how it may get worse as time goes on. Maybe it's the pay being offered, or something else entirely.
This is a situation where you have to step up your game. Don't make the decision to leave your current employer without letting him know what's really bothering you. This is true whether you're looking at a job transfer or an outright resignation.
You can use these opportunities to ensure that your employer knows where you stand. This could be what they need in order to make changes that will make you happy - or, at least, less likely to resign. If that doesn't work, it's time to move on completely.
Even if the offer you get isn't perfect, it's better than nothing and it might be the last opportunity you have for a while.
The Third Difficulty: You're Not Interested in Your Current Employer, Something's Wrong and You're Not Sure Why
You might not be interested in your employer, but you aren't sure what the problem is. It could be that you have a gut feeling that things are wrong and there's not much to actually back it up. It could also be that you've got an idea of what the problem is - but can't find a way to fix it.
You know this is something you shouldn't leave until you've addressed the issue with someone who can do something about it. Ideally, this will mean talking to your boss or whoever else holds these responsibilities at your company. Even though you might have been thinking about leaving, this is your chance to get things sorted out.
It's a good idea to first come up with a list of every single complaint you have. This should also be posted on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Be sure to be as honest as possible - even if one of your biggest complaints is the pay being offered by the company.
The fact that you're still around is probably going to speak volumes to them. They already know how unhappy you are, so there's no reason for you not to be blunt about it.
If the person you're talking to can't do anything at all about your complaints, you can let him or her know. This way, they'll have a chance to be a part of things and actually get things changed.
The Fourth Difficulty: You're Not Interested in Your Current Employer - Something's Wrong and You Don't Know What to Do
The relationship between you and your employer is completely sour and there's nothing that can be done about it. If this is the case, then it's time for a different approach altogether. The problem could be something as simple as what you'll be doing with your job. You might be staying in the same company, but moving to a different department or working on a different project entirely.
There's no need to let your discontent bring down everyone around you. If this is the case, it's time to think about the bigger picture and have a more positive view of things going forward. They may have made you unhappy in the past, but they might also be able to take things in a new direction that makes you happy going forward - and remember, they're not even aware that this is what they should do.
Talk with your boss or other key employees at your company. Ask them if there might be any changes coming up in the future that would make you happier while working at the company.
Conclusion
It is perfectly acceptable to tell your employer that you are unhappy and want to leave. Sometimes, it's better to do that instead of just leaving without any warning. This way, you can have a conversation about the things that are bothering you - and even find out if things can be changed for the better.
Sometimes, though, it's just time to move on completely. You can then tell your employer what the problems are when you're interviewing for a new job. Doing this will help make sure they don't make the same mistakes they did while you were working with them - and will also let them know that they made a mistake hiring someone like you in the first place.