How to Cope when a Co-Worker is Laid Off
When your best water cooler buddy gets laid off, it can be really upsetting. The rumors start flying and then the grapevine confirms that, yes, a close co-worker has been laid off. You suddenly find yourself coping with an uncomfortable situation. On the one hand, you must provide support for your friend. On the other hand, you begin to wonder about the security of your own job.First of all, when a layoff is announced and you see a friend quietly packing his desk, don't hide behind your cubicle wall. The worst thing to do is nothing at all. React as quickly as you can or else you'll look like an insensitive jerk. Offer your co-worker a sympathetic ear, but whatever you do, don’t say things like "I'll probably be next" or "You're better off anyway...you’re getting off a sinking ship." These comments are negative and not helpful. More importantly, do not encourage defeatist or vengeful behavior. The best thing you can do is be honest. Simply saying, "I just heard the news and I don't know what to say" and listening while they vent is support enough.
But what about you? Sure, you still have your job but things won’t be the same. In fact, you, too, may become discouraged. You may even start to wonder when the next shoe will drop and if you'll be next. Very often the overall work environment changes too. Without your best office pal, it’s just not as fun as it used to be. So, what should you do?
First, you both need to change your mindset. Remember, your destiny is ultimately in your own hands. Whether you’re still employed or not, you should consider alternative ways to earn extra income. Freelance jobs are a great way to earn extra cash and gain greater financial freedom. The point is – always have your hand in another cookie jar. This helps soften the blow of being laid off. If you have a few jobs on the side and some extra income coming in, if you are suddenly laid off you’ll be less freaked out about how to make ends meet. And, in the end, you may be able to continue with your side projects, but at a full-time pace instead.
Another way to become empowered is to further educate yourself – even if you’re completely comfortable in your current job. If you continually and proactively sharpen your skills and expand them, you will be less likely to lose your job because you’ll be a more valuable employee. Not only that, if you do happen to get laid off, you will be considered more desirable if you can demonstrate you are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technology.
Ultimately, you and your friend can turn the devastation of a lay off into a positive thing for both of you. Don’t let fear get the best of you. Rather, let it inspire you. Take classes. Volunteer in a completely different industry. Immerse yourself into an alternative job you wouldn’t ordinarily consider. Remember, a layoff isn’t the end of the world. It’s the start of a new one. Good luck!
Labels: corporate culture, downsizing, friendship, job security, professional relationships, real-world knowledge
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 7/31/2009 09:28:00 AM
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2 Comments:
I've been in this situation before and although it sounds like it wouldn't be a big deal, it really turns out to be a very awful situation. I was in a weird situation when a friend of mine was fired and people at work would constantly ask me what was going on. For the next couple weeks I would have to listen to my friend trash talk the company, which I still worked for. But eventually everyone moved past the situation and she landed a good job and we remained friends. So even if you find yourself stuck in this same dilemma, don't despair because after a few weeks everyone will move on.
Dealing with a friend who just experienced a layoff is like dealing with a friend who just underwent a divorce -- only you're in bed with your friend's wife, and she's giving you a salary to stay there. It's a moral dilemma that requires a certain kind of discretion to be amicably resolved -- and your advice reflects this perfectly. Follow it, ladies and gentlemen of the unstable workplace, and you won't get caught with your pants down.