Being laid off could be a beginning, not an end

Dear Mr. Walberg,

The company I have been with for the last eight years has gone through reorganization and eliminated 15 percent of its workforce. As a result, I have been downsized and although I know it has to do with the weak economy, I am not sure how to deal with it. I am devastated, depressed, ashamed and, of course, scared to death. Aside from my emotions, how do you feel other employers will react to job candidates like me who have been displaced for reasons other than work quality? -- M.B., Chicago area

Dear M.B.,

Shades of the 1990s! The "D" word is back in use!

As the outplacement consultants of Challenger Gray & Christmas Inc. say, "So you got downsized. It's happening a lot this year -- 579,260 job cuts reported so far!"

Some job experts think downsizing is a rebirth, not a career death. Marc Cenedella, CEO of the jobs site TheLadders.com says, "A majority of people end up telling you it's the best thing that ever happed to them."

Why? Because it gives you the opportunity to do what you really want to do, using the skills and talents that you accumulated during the past few years. In the 1990s I told that same line to a room full of downsized employees from GE and almost created a riot! But, it's true once you get over the feelings of devastation, depression, shame, and fear. So, what do you do now? As Cenedella says,

--"Get rid of the negativity. Write an angry letter to your boss, and then rip it up. Take a week of vacation. Get relaxed and refreshed so you can be positive in interviews later.

--"Make a plan. Interested in a new field? Here's your chance. Investigate retraining programs, take classes.

--"Update your resume. Work on talking up your achievements in the past.

--"Network, network, network. Over 50 percent of the jobs out there are found through networking. Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues."

You must understand that you did nothing wrong. You are not the bad guy. You should not be ashamed. Kick that wastebasket across the room, and then get active. You will be a survivor.

Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.