Bouncing back after the ax.Out of work? Don't sulk; you can make a quick career comeback. After punching the clock for four years at Chase Manhattan Bank The Chase Manhattan Bank, now part of JPMorgan Chase, was formed by the merger of the Chase National Bank and the Bank of the Manhattan Company in 1955. The bank is headquartered in New York City. , getting laid off felt like a slap in the face to Raquel Rubens. "We had heard rumors For other uses, see Rumor (disambiguation). Rumors is a farcical play by Neil Simon. At its start, several affluent couples gather in the posh suburban residence of a couple for a dinner party celebrating their tenth anniversary. that there'd be layoffs," says the New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of native, but she never thought the ax would swing in her direction. "When I got the news, I was shocked and angry. I thought, `How dare they?' and `Why me?'" No matter who you are or what you do, losing your job is a dramatic event. It's an unexpected upheaval that can change the course of your life. That's why it's crucial that you respond with the appropriate action to get you and your career quickly back on track. * But first the pain. "Before you make any major decisions, take time to deal with your feelings," says Mary Brown, a managing consultant with Drake Beam Morin, an international career consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting company business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a in Boston. "Get mad, cry, scream, bend a friend's ear--you must allow yourself to grieve grieve v. grieved, griev·ing, grieves v.tr. 1. To cause to be sorrowful; distress: It grieves me to see you in such pain. 2. in order to move on." * How far, how fast? Next, you need to focus on your goals. For obvious reasons, the closer you stay to your previous job profile and industry, the less time and effort it will take to land your next job. But then you must decide what's more important: quickly finding a job, or landing a fulfilling occupation? * Look back to the future. Oftentimes of·ten·times also oft·times adv. Frequently; repeatedly. Adv. 1. oftentimes - many times at short intervals; "we often met over a cup of coffee" frequently, oft, often, ofttimes , finances drive the need to find a job fast. But if you have the benefit of a severance package A severance package is pay and benefits an employee receives when they leave employment at a company. In addition to the employee's remaining regular pay, it may include some of the following:
* What impact did you have in your job? * Were you pleased with your position? * What things were you especially good at? * Did this position put your best skills to use? * What did you like most about your last job? Then, with the same level of honesty, ask yourself: * Were there areas of your performance that needed improvement? * What areas of your job did you most dislike? * Is the work that you were doing the kind you want to continue? Searching for these answers will help you determine whether you're interested in--and suited for--the kind of work you'd been doing. No one wants to be out of work, but losing your job provides an opportunity to stop and evaluate your options and, if you choose, select a new path. Incidentally, says Brown, many people finally find the courage to launch their own businesses. * Reach out. Whether you start your own outfit or land a nine-to-five, you should lean on your contacts to help you make the transition. Chances are the "who you know" rule will open the door to your next gig. Let old colleagues and clients know that you've left your job and you're in the market. Even if you're still feeling angry, try to be upbeat with those who might provide you with contacts--no one wants to refer a sourpuss sour·puss n. Slang A habitually gloomy or sullen person. [sour + puss2. . * Keep an open mind. Brown says job seekers job seeker also job·seek·er n. One who seeks employment. should be flexible as they evaluate the kinds of positions they'll accept. If you find yourself facing a job loss, it will hurt a while. But rest assured, all is not lost. If you plan carefully, losing your job may actually be a good thing. BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT: Fired with Enthusiasm, A Take-Charge Game Plan for a Quick Career Comeback by Tom Lonergan Tom Lonergan may refer to:
Getting from Fired to Hired by Martin Elkort (Macmillan Publishing U.S.A., $14.95) To order either book, call BooksNow! at 800-Books-Now or visit www.BooksNow.com/BlackEnterprise. |
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