What does this mean for the average worker trying to come to grips with a current position that may soon evaporate?
Being blindly fatalistic and waiting for the axe, of course, probably isn’t the answer. But even introducing a measure of autonomy and proactivity can help. Conserving where you can right now and keeping things in perspective is important. If worse comes to worst and you lose your current job, you will get another. It may not happen in a week. It may not be in the field in which you’re currently employed. It may not be in the city in which you currently live. But you will get another job. Looking at the possibility of a worst-case situation in a realistic light and preparing accordingly—whether that means socking more money away where you can or dusting off the contact information of associates you may not have had communication with in a while—is helpful. Even being mentally prepared for the worst makes a difference. It’s somewhat of a cliché, but you are not your job.
A layoff, if or when it happens, doesn’t have to be debilitating if you are aware of your options.
Make no mistake—this isn’t a situation that simply involves waiting around to get cut. Being defeatist is not the name of the game. Neither is Pollyanna-esque blind enthusiasm. But you’re not a statistic.
A sense of self-worth and assurance—even when the worst strikes—has the promise of going a long way.
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Stephanie R. Myers is a staff writer for Vault.com. She possesses a bachelor’s of journalism from the University of Texas and resides in Brooklyn, New York.
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