MARCH 16 — Two very frightening words right now for any salaried worker: “lay-offs” and “retrenchment.” Job security is rare and precious these days; careers once thought retrenchment-proof are now just as vulnerable these days.

How do you go on once you get that letter on your desk, telling you your services are no longer required? Whatever you might feel right then and there, there is no time for you to wallow. Here’s a little practical advice from someone who’s been there, done that and has the salary slip to show for it.

1. Yes, it’s terrible. No, it’s not the end of the world

Being terminated, whatever the circumstance, is not pleasant. A morass of emotions will likely engulf you for a while. Disbelief, anger, panic, sadness, a blow to the self-esteem. It is perfectly all right for you to be, right then and there, miserable. Let yourself feel whatever you are feeling but do not wallow.

2. Call the bank

If you have financial commitments that will be affected by the loss of your income, then you will have to make a few (or many) painful calls. Ideally do this once your head is clear and you are not in an emotionally wrought state of mind. Whether it’s a mortgage, car payment, loan or credit card payment, you will need to let your bank know and attempt to negotiate terms favourable to all parties. In some cases, you might be able to get your bank to temporarily freeze your account. 

3. Swallow your pride and let people know you’re looking

Now is not the time to be stoic. If you need a job or any sort of income, let your friends and family know. Embarrassment and shame do not pay the bills. Let the people closest to you know and if you have no qualms, then perhaps announce it on social media or at the very least, update your LinkedIn profile. There is no shame in asking for help and remember, the people who care most for you will consider it no trouble at all.

4. Yes, update that resume

Ideally, your resume is something you should keep updated whether or not you think retrenchment is in your future. You never know when you’ll need it; maybe you’ll be headhunted or you meet someone who is interested in taking you on. Being retrenched isn’t the ideal situation to brush up that CV but needs must, as they say.

5. Take a couple of days to breathe

While you shouldn’t wallow, you shouldn’t feel you need to immediately get into the job hunt. Take one or two days to centre yourself, to plan out your next steps, to speak with your family or spouse, perhaps with a career mentor. Don’t rush headlong into another job out of sheer desperation only to have to figure out an exit strategy after.

6.            Don’t take it personally

You might feel dejected. Perhaps many negative thoughts are going through your head. You doubt yourself; you wonder if you will get a job as good as the one you had. Maybe you’re of a certain age or particular career stage. Whatever your situation, remember that you are not your job. Do not allow your career to determine your self-worth. With or without the job you hold, you are still someone with potential, skills and experience that you can utilise.

Some journeys were meant to end; don’t assume there aren’t better ones waiting. Good luck with your job search!

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.