HANDLING JOB LOSS AND UNEMPLOYMENT PROFITABLY

 

‘It’s not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.’
…..Zig Ziglar

 Dwindling revenue and increased cost of doing business are some of the major factors that push companies to consider manpower reduction as a coping strategy. When this painful decision is implemented some employees have to go. The period of manpower reduction is a period when new employment is almost zero. Thereby creating a situation where those who are readily available with requisite skills, knowledge and attitude are not able to secure gainful employment.  An individual is unemployed when he or she is unable to be gainfully employed for a job he or she has been trained to do or has the skill, knowledge and capability to do effectively and efficiently.

To be out of job is really frustrating. This condition can lead to drug addiction, broken home and failed marriage. The impact of this condition is felt differently by different people. For those living with parents or guardians, the impact may not be much. Those with gainfully employed spouses may not really feel it the way a bread winner would fell it. If you are out of job and your spouse does not earn enough to take care of the home, it’s like living in hell. It could be so frustrating in a developing economy where no provision exists for unemployment benefits.

Europe and United States had a bitter share of large scale unemployment during the recent global economic meltdown. Large scale unemployment has become a way of life in most developing countries, especially in Africa.

Job loss can be managed optimally for result. The strategies below if properly implemented could turn around the situation for the best.

BE POSITIVE

 This is a time to remain upbeat and positive. There are cases of people who committed suicide while passing through the stress of job loss. This is not a time to be lonely and dejected. Be in company of lively people. Read motivational books. There are several good books by several authors that could be of help. Read books by Ben Carson, Samuel Adeyemi, Zig Ziglar, John Mason, John Maxwell and several other books written by life coaches. The first thing you need to understand is that this is not the end of life. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced worker, be positive. The benefit of remaining positive is that it makes you think less and remain open to opportunities.

DO SOMETHING

This is not a time to be idle. Never! It’s a period you must find something doing, even for free. You could offer yourself up for volunteering work. Think of something you could do to affect live, then do it. You can also use this period to learn a trade that can turn you to an entrepreneur. You can invest in developing your computer, communication, analytical and technical skills. This is not a time to sit back at home watching movies all days long.

OPEN UP

This is a period you must never be a pretender. Let close associates know what you can do and what you are passing through. We have people who are out of job and pretend as if all is well. They hardly tell close associates who could be of help. You are the architect of your own misfortune by not opening up. Never die in secret, open up. This is not the same as telling every Dick, Jack and Harry about it. Only confides in few close confidants.

Some people even kept it from their spouses and continue to pretend to go to work on a daily basis believing that the experience is shameful and should be kept as a top secret. No, never keep your close associates in the dark. Learn to open up.

LEVERAGE ON YOUR EXISTING NETWORKS

You must leverage on your existing contacts. Put calls across to your professional friends and associates; use your alumni network to connect people. Call friends that are doing well in other industries. This is the time you must be regular at professional meetings. Be regular at these gatherings and make superb contribution to interesting intellectual discussions. Be relevant. Show off your stuff.

Always be in contact with colleagues who are currently working to find out about possible job openings in their company or industry.

ADD VALUE TO YOURSELF

Learn new things. You could learn to play a musical instrument. You could learn about web designing. This period must be used to gain knowledge. Read more books in your chosen field; develop your writing and oral communication skills.

Horn your employability skills. You must set aside a minimum of one hour each day to develop your skill, knowledge and capability in your chosen field of study. Add value to yourself. Read wide. Develop new skills.  Build your competency.

WATCH OUT FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Never close your ears and eyes to happenings around you. Be inquisitive and be on the lookout for opportunities. Watch out for vacancies in the newspapers. Try new things. See if you could start a small business on your own.

 This should be a period to reflect on your God given ability. A time to believe in yourself and be confident that you have all it takes to get a better job.