Comments on: My Company Just Announced Huge Layoffs And I’m Afraid My Position Will Disappear: Seven Things You Need To Do Right Now

By: Sandy

Sandy — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:08:06 +0000

Sometimes, it works out to your advantage if you have an additional, marketable skill. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was let go from his employer (this is about 20 years ago). The way we view life is that one needs to be open to whatever the universe has in store for you…yes the Law of Attraction. (Please don’t tell me this doesn’t work, because in my life, it has worked from the day I started using it). Anyway, we kept these ideas in mind and he got 2 great job offers within a few weeks. But, he decided not to take them, as the company that he was previously with called him back after they realized that he was fluent in Spanish, and they needed someone in Europe to handle the Mediterranean Region. His Spanish skills made him a perfect candidate. We got married (Fast!) and moved over there, where for the next 3 years, we lived rent-free, with all expenses paid, and one of the side benefits was the option of coming home once per year, or anywhere in the world for the same amount of money. (We opted for Thailand and Egypt), plus we were able to travel all over Europe, picked up German (that’s where we were based), and my husband picked up Italian, as well. Needless to say, getting fired was one of the best things that ever happened to us…but use the Law (positive thinking, affirmations, forgiveness, asking)and good will come!
Actually, that experience led us to several lucrative life experiences abroad, and at the moment, my husband is being considered for a position in China.

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 20:23:51 +0000

don’t forget to get info on collecting unemployment benefits in your state.

start looking for a job now…post the resume. if you are competing with all the other people who are going to get laid off, there is no time to be idling around feeling sorry for yourself when those people are going to be looking for the same jobs as you. get yourself out there now.

By: jake

jake — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:49:45 +0000

Nathania hit it right on the spot with health coverage. Many people take this for granted.

I read a lot of finance forums and the one thing that constantly shows up is how people were thrown off guard by a medical emergency when they had no insurance.

Many of the horror stories about bankruptcy and home foreclosures involves not being able to pay medical bills resulting from having no health insurance.

You might think that one or two months between jobs with no health insurance is nothing much, but things happen, and its surprising that people keep saying “I never expected it to happen to me,” yet it does. This becomes more crucial if your family depends on your health coverage.

By: Trent

Trent — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 03:05:55 +0000

Good tips, all of them.

By: Customers Revenge

Customers Revenge — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:51:08 +0000

How about trying to get a promotion? Lots of times big layoffs are associated with big reorganizations, and that means tons of jobs being destroyed and tons of jobs being created. If you have any transferrable skills you may be able to find your way out of the union and into management or switch into another department.

By: Nathania Johnson

Nathania Johnson — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 02:21:08 +0000

I’ve been laid off a couple of times, so I have a couple of tips.

1. Look for and apply to other jobs. Many times, the atmosphere that remains in the workplace after layoffs is difficult. Even if you don’t get the pink slip, you might not want to stay.

2. If you do get laid off, be prepared to take a job with a lower salary than you currently have. Otherwise, you may spend alot of time in unemployment.

3. Figure out a way to buy COBRA. A lapse in your health insurance could cost you more money in the future – especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

4. Taking a part time job or temp job could make you more money than receiving an unemployment check. However, unemployment offers you the time you need to job search and interview.

5. Don’t assume you’ll get another job right away. After my first layoff in 2005, I applied to around 100 jobs and went on interview after interview. Even moving back home didn’t provide a quick fix.

6. Reduce your bills of any extras. Get basic cable or stop cable altogether. Stop the texting and mobile web on your cell phone. You can always get them back after you start a job.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:12:49 +0000

In 2002 I was laid off and it was the best thing for me. The compensation was effectively 4 months of pay, 3 upfront so I could start collecting unemployment right away. I applied for the NYS “599″ program that allowed me to continue collecting unemployment while “training”. In my case it was finishing a BA 3 semesters worth of work in 12 months.

The day after graduation I was working again.

Ask about things like retraining benefits and other grants since they made all the difference to me.