ShareThisIn the late '80s, I addressed a group of New Jersey corporate employees who were being laid off because of the elimination of their division. I said, "This may be the best thing that has happened to your career', and I almost had to run for cover.
I didn't know if it was what I said or my southern accent. It was what I said.
Last week, while browsing the Web site shine.yahoo.com, I came across this headline, by Lee E. Miller:
"Sometimes losing your job can be the best thing that ever happened to you!"
Miller went on to say, "Losing your job is never easy. It is traumatic for the people losing their jobs. It causes hardship for their families. For individuals being laid off, there is a common fear, however unfounded, that they will never find jobs as good as the ones they just lost. For most people, the truth is exactly the opposite. They will not only find something, they will be happier and will ultimately be even more financially successful.
"Despite the din of bad economic news, there are opportunities out there. Good economic news either seems not to get reported or is dismissed as an aberration. On the same day that 70,000 jobs were lost to layoffs, the National Association of Realtors reported that December home sales saw the largest monthly gain in seven years.
"As someone who has been through major layoffs as a senior human resources executive, here is some advice for those of you who may experience a period of unemployment during the current economic downturn."
-- Stay positive. According to the most recent available statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 2.6 million job openings employers are seeking to fill.
-- Read the business news daily, looking for areas of growth where your skills might be needed.
-- Be alert to new opportunities that open up every day.
Thanks to Lee E. Miller, and let me add one more thought:
-- When employers downsize, they remove marginal employees or divisions. At the same time, they will hire you if you can help them be productive and profitable. Think about your accomplishments, and how you can contribute to an employer's bottom line.
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)
GETTING HIRED
