bizMe

Sarah is cramming picture frames in a cardboard box, pausing between sobs only to curse our company that just gave her a pink slip. My desk faces hers. We’re the only two who share the large office . . . shared . . . and, needless to say, it’s awkward. My eyes pace from the floor, swing to the ceiling, and then to my fingers. Basically, I’m doing everything I can to avoid making eye contact, or worse, looking at my email with its growing inbox. This is out of respect, but mostly guilt, despite the fact that I was not a player.
After watching security escort, at times drag, my coworker out of the building, the next couple weeks were followed by a surreal tumbling of emotion, additional work, and a stoic salary. What I remember most, though, is the burden of feelings that never seem to be quelled, just pushed aside to conquer ever-growing to-do lists. But there it sat, in the forefront of my mind: guilt because I still had a job, relief for having a job, guilt for being happy about this, and then finally fear.

Sometimes working 60- to 80-hour shifts, including weekends and holidays, Sarah had proven to be one of the most dedicated and capable employees at our firm. Her attitude—positive. Her work ethic—incomparable. Her results—flawless. I tried to hold off the deluge of concerns and focus on my work, but eventually, they broke free. How could they let her go? Who is going to take her place? If they can do that to her, what about me? How long before I’m out the door?

Turns out, it was a year and a half.

Luckily for me, I’d built my communications company on the side, updated my resume constantly, and networked religiously. I talked to everyone, investigating the area and possibilities, and planning out my strategy. Additionally, I focused my down time on learning. My company offered online courses in everything from marketing to finance to leadership. And books? I read hundreds—between edits, before meetings, during lunch.

So, when the day came, I was prepared. Even excited, if you can believe that, because I felt it was fated. Sarah and many of my other coworkers were not so fortunate. There were tears, anger, fear of foreclosure, and a feeling of being Tuesday’s garbage. Yet, despite the degradation and pain inherent in this situation, if one so chooses, she can find inspiration from the phoenix and rise.

Considering such an unfortunate position, one can’t help consider Obama’s plans to revamp the economic situation of the country, which include tax cuts for the middle class, rewards for companies that support American workers, investment in our next generation innovators and job creators, investment in clean energy economy, the creation for new job training programs for clean technologies, among others. Chief among the president’s agenda is the Patriot Employer Act of 2007, which provides a tax credit to companies that retain or augment staff, maintain headquarters in the United States, provide health insurance, and support military families.

Yet, however seemingly promising, Obamanomics will not turn this failing economy around immediately. Meaning? You cannot hand your life over to politicians and then throw your feet up. Bring in the incense for this one, but in reality, the only person who can determine your success, or lack of, is you. Keep in mind I possess the “I survived the layoffs of 2008” t-shirt, so I understand the magnitude of this statement. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, the future is uncertain, but let’s face it, it always is.

So, what do you do? You’re overwhelmed, overworked, emotionally drained, and confused. But let’s be honest, you can’t control the economy, you cannot predict the government, and you can’t decide who gets laid off (unless you’re the managerial head shed). Being proactive is the only element you can determine. Whether you’re graduating college in the spring, or have been with the same company for 25 years, the truth is the same: you need a plan.

1. Determine what you want: Situations like these force individuals to consider how they envision their lives. For me, it was a wakeup call. A get-out-of-jail-free card. Use this time to figure out what you want. What you really want. Maybe you don’t know, but maybe, like me, you know what you don’t want. That’s a start.

2. Update your resume: Make a list of everything you’ve done since you last drafted your resume. Then highlight your most important accomplishments and put them at the top of each job category. Most often, you want to tailor your CV to the position you want, but if you are unsure of that now, just focus on evincing your strengths. Be sure to use strong action verbs, such as managed, oversaw, and established. Don’t know where to start? Hire a resume specialist to work with you to present the best image of you on paper.

3. Educate yourself: What computer programs might you need in the future? Take a class! Read books about the field in which you are interested. Don’t know? Try mixing it up until you find something that pulls at those heart strings. Psychology? Philosophy? You’ll find something. Maybe try taking classes, either at an adult learning center, college, online, or through your current company, if they offer it. The point is to bolster your ability by challenging your brain.

4. Network: Get out there! Find local groups through www.meetup.com; professional associations, like the Word of Mouth Marketing Association; a knitting group at the local bookstore; or online social media networking groups, such as www.linkedin.com. Whatever you choose, remove yourself from the couch, missing an episode of American Idol won’t kill you, and seek out human interaction outside your immediate family and coworkers. Meeting new individuals can open up doors you never knew you wanted to walk through.

5. Start Your Own Business: Now, this may not be for everyone. It requires an unbelievable amount of courage to step away from the job, motivation, and above all, a belief in oneself. Should you feel you possess these necessary requirements, I encourage you to explore this new challenge. You call the shots, decide your own success, and have the satisfaction of creating something. Even better news is that Obama and Biden plan to eliminate all capital gains taxes for start-up and small businesses, thus encouraging business development, which will yield job creation. Also, they will administer $250 million per year to increase the number and size of public-private business incubators that assist entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities.

6. Positive attitude: Trying to find the silver lining in every situation will alter not only your perception, but that of those around you. Not to mention encourage others to seek out your company, in hopes to have some of that optimism wipe off of them. Everyone knows someone that is always negative, maybe it’s you. How much do you really like spending time with that person? Replace negative comments with positives and smiling more. You’ll be amazed at the results.

When confronted with uncontrollable change, myriad emotions take over and somehow have the ability to weaken our self-confidence and strength. Give into it, scream into a pillow, cry with your best friend, take a kickboxing class, wrestle with your boyfriend. Do whatever necessary to get it out. Then get on with the life you want and don’t look back! Good luck!