Taking Charge Of Your Career

Almost everyday we hear that some company is restructuring their pay, laying workers off and that the “Not Hiring” sign is still hanging on the door. Having been in the career services business for a quarter of a century, my wife and I are keenly aware of the stress and uncertainties many people (employed and those seeking employment face). Below is an excerpt from one of the handouts I use in working with displaced workers. Even if you haven’t been affected by restructuring, I’m sure you know someone who has.

Following the excerpt, I have reprinted some advice for the under-employed and those concerned about keeping their jobs that I wrote in a 2003 Monday Morning.

“Most experts believe that a person’s work not only represents the way they identify themselves, but serves as one of the strongest anchors in their lives. Job loss cuts that anchor and destabilizes every major area of life.“The work people do represents the way they express themselves, find fulfillment in the use of their skills and is the way they live out their passion and perceived purpose in life. Therefore, losing a job can mean a loss of income, security, standing in the community, and sense of self confidence and identity.

“While everyone’s situation is unique, most professionals agree that the following concepts are effective ways to reduce unhealthy stress.

“Monitor and modify your attitude. While it is natural to feel a range of emotions during periods of unemployment it is important that we avoid cynicism, depression and hopelessness from taking over our thinking. Rather than inventory the things that have been lost (status, income, etc) make an inventory of what is available for use in the next phase of life (experience, skills, training, family, etc). Think back over all the other unalterable circumstances you’ve been through. Then analyze how you worked through it. Often, during this exercise people report that for the first time they realized the situation proved to be “the best thing that could have happened…” in terms of their career, relationships and future. Many people find it helpful to talk with a career counselor or trusted mentor.

“Reconstruct your ability to trust. Often, job loss causes a person to mistrust their abilities, their peers, and those in management. It may be that the individual over-reached their ability to do a job, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of using their skills or learning new ones. Coworkers might have failed them or a manager did not provide the type of leadership they could have. But that cannot be the primary focus of one’s thinking following a job loss. Mistrust breeds distrust which grows to contempt and paralyzes constructive actions.

“Establish and stick to a daily routine. Routine has been defined as being “habitually following a set life structure through which we find meaning and expression”. Work provides much of that structure for our lives. Job loss breaks the structure by interrupting the routine.“Establishing daily habits of networking, making calls, and sending résumés creates a vital, new, proactive structure (routine) for living. There will be days when feelings will war against these new habits. But it is important to stick to the new structure. Routine provides a sense of having taken charge of circumstances. As activity begins paying off in small successes self-confidence is rekindled, goals are further clarified and it is easier to conceive of and commit to new career objectives.”
From “Take Charge of Your Future After A Job Loss” © 2008 Robert Hidde
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“Every week I am privileged to talk with people about their careers and life situations. Over the years, I have found that many times situations are clarified or changed when three principles are applied
“Be aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it: A young man once complained about his job being "hum-drum". He compiled and edited reports for management. I asked him to explain why these reports were important. After a few minutes, he began to realize the importance of what he was doing and his attitude toward his work changed. Regardless of what you do, if remind yourself of the bigger picture - the importance of the outcomes that result from your work-- your work will take on new meaning and your enthusiasm for it will return.

“Be cognizant of your resources: Often we feel overwhelmed by a situation because do not feel that we have the resources to deal with it successfully. When you are faced with a situation take inventory of your resources. Chances are you will discover that there are people in your company, past experiences you've had or opportunities for self-education that will clarify how to deal with it constructively.

“Experience your past successes: Several years ago, my wife was division manager for a nation-wide company. One of the top producers in the division had fallen into a slump. After a few weeks, my wife visited with this person. It seems that this person’s immediate supervisor had tried to help by focusing on the things that were going wrong during presentations. My wife suggested that the former top producer tell her about some of her past successes and how they were accomplished. After hearing a couple of stories, she said, "I want you to review these in you mind everyday, and forget about your failures". Within a month the superstar producer was back on top. Moral: Don't get so focused on what is going wrong, remind yourself of what you've done right-and learn from that.”
From a 2003 Monday Morning
Have A GREAT and Profitable Week!
Robert Hidde
bob@confidentliving.com