SO, YOU'VE BEEN LAID OFF - NOW WHAT?

By Wendy Oliveras on Tuesday, March 02 2010

Ever hear of the phrase “It’s their loss not mine?”  In reading this article, just keep that thought in the back of your mind.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program, which collects reports on mass layoff actions that result in workers being separated from their jobs, employers took 1,761 mass lay off actions involving 182,261 workers in January 2010 as per the new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month.

That said, being laid off from a job is not an easy thing to go through especially if it was a position you enjoyed and did not anticipate losing.  The truth of the matter is no job is secure these days.  Unfortunately, you’re usually the last one to find out about the lay off and probably not given ample time to prepare or look for another suitable position.  Believe me, I had that experience happen to me in the past and it was a difficult time.  However, I persevered and did not give up on my job search.  I had the confidence to forge ahead and not look back. 

At this point, you are probably also experiencing heavy emotions such as anger, grief of your income, and fear of the unknown.  With the job market on a snail trail to improvement, how can you find the strength to beat the competition when you are feeling so down and frustrated?

Well, let’s start by taking the emotions of anger, grief, and fear and throwing them out of the window.  These feelings must be addressed and resolved.  By not dealing with your emotions, you only jeopardize your future abilities to successfully and confidently represent yourself in job interviews, as well as stay on top of your job search and network.

Always remember that not only do you need to have a good resume, but you must also be the part you represent you are.  Thinking positive and believing in your self is key and your self-confidence level must be turned up high.  Dwelling on the past is not an effective way to improve your situation.  Allow yourself to feel what you have to feel and then move on with it.  The past is the past.  It is up to you to make your future a brighter one.  Now, go out there and think like a mover and shaker and get things done!  Remember, to believe is to achieve!

Wendy Oliveras is an entrepreneur, columnist, author, search consultant, and career planning and development advisor.  She can be reached at either (201) 947-6662 or via email wo@oliverascoinc.com.  Please also visit her at http://www.twitter.com/wendyoliveras, http://www.linkedin/in/wendyoliveras, or http://www.oliverascoinc.com.

To view my previous articles, please visit http://www.examiner.com/x-22670-NY-Search-Consultant-Examiner.  Thank you.