Unemployment Is
Not Contagious
As of October 2009, the unemployment rate
across the U.S. ranged from 4.2% in North Dakota to 15.1% in Michigan.
Pennsylvania falls in the middle at 8.8%.
We recently heard that some unemployed
individuals were referred to as "those people." As far as we know,
unemployment isn't either dangerous or contagious. However, it is a
state that any of us could end up visiting at any time.
Survivor Guilt
If you're survived a RIF (reduction in force), layoff, downsizing,
right-sizing (or whatever you want to call it), you may feel:
-
Shocked - "How could this happen
here?"
-
Guilty - "Why did I get to keep
my job when other people didn't?"
-
Angry - "Now I have even more
work to do!"
-
Depressed - "So many of my
friends don't work here any more..."
-
Anxious - "What if I lose my job
- I could be next!"
How to Help
Someone After a Job Loss
You may want to help a former coworker or family member during his/her job
search but not know how to do that. Here are some practical ways you
can make a difference:
-
Ask what the person's goals / job
search approach are. A good search balances networking (most
time spent here) with using the Internet / viewing job postings (least
time spent here). You may be able to suggest a networking contact
or two.
-
Don't expect free labor, babysitting,
etc. from the unemployed person. "Looking for a job is at
least a full-time job and a half!" says Barry Davis. Respect the
job searcher's time.
-
Ask for a copy of the person's resume.
Review it from time to time to familiarize yourself with the person's
skills and goals. Please note that you are not responsible for the
person's search, you're another set of helpful eyes and ears.
-
Pass along job openings that you hear
about. They may not be a good fit - let the job seeker decide
whether or not to follow up.
-
Ask "How are you doing?" and take
time to listen to the answer. Don't make every conversation
with the job seeker about his/her search. Talk about hobbies,
mutual interests, current events, etc.
Career Fitness
Think about your own career fitness. Are you losing your "best
stuff" at work? Do you lose track of time because you're so
interested in what you're doing? Seek out opportunities at your job
to learn and try different skills. Volunteer to learn a new computer
program and teach it to coworkers. Read. Read. Read!
Get back in touch with people you may not have thought of since high
school or college.
www.LinkedIn.com is a great professional resource for reconnecting
with others.
Barry Davis, Director of Career Services
for LMA Consulting Group will be presenting "Career Fitness" on
April 8th, 2010 at 9:00AM.
Click
here for more information about this Webinar.
Sources/Further Reading
-
http://careerbright.blogspot.com/2006/11/in-job-career-transition-is-your-family.html
-
Love It, Don't Leave It, Kaye,
Beverly & Jordan-Evans, Sharon, 1993.
-
How to be a Star at Work, Kelly,
Robert, 1998.
-
Go, Put Your Strengths to Work,
Buckingham, Marcus, Free Press, 2007.
Martha Lawrence, B.A., provides career
counseling services through Life Management Associates.
