Losing your job? Tips to help you prepare for your exit

I knew when I walked into that meeting with my boss, my life would change forever. Oh, there were many times I dreamed I would leave this job—it zapped my energy and stole my enthusiasm. In my dream, however, I was the one in control—I was the one calling the shots. This was definitely not how I pictured it.

There were reorganizations going on in the company almost continually; a mode-of-operation these days for many organizations. This time, three of us got the same news—we had two months notice before our jobs would end. I was grateful to have time to get over the initial shock and be able to start figuring out what was next. But as I approached the light at the end of that tunnel, I was amazed how fast things had changed.

Perhaps my story will resonate with you if you've faced a similar experience or maybe prepare you if it happens sometime in the future.

Finding the right words. Even before you get back to your desk, you sense that your whole world has changed. You are bombarded with many thoughts and feelings; you wonder if there had been anything you could have done to prevent this from happening and you try to comprehend what you will do without a job.

People struggle with what to say to someone losing their job. What can you possibly say that would give the soon-to-be-ex-employee comfort? Your colleagues know that tomorrow it could be them.

You quickly notice that people you used to eat with in the cafeteria, now walk with their head down and pretend they don't see you. Most of the time being ignored wasn't a big deal; but I was disappointed was when one of the colleagues in the office next door treated me the same way.

It may be helpful to break-the-ice yourself with many of your co-workers. Something like, "So, I guess you heard the news..." In a few cases, you may want to have a private discussion with an individual (see above paragraph)--share your feelings directly. But do it for yourself; remember, you can't change anyone. When I prepare for a meeting like that, I find it helpful to jot down a few things I want to say ahead of time. Then, wait until you're calm and not as emotional.

In the end, it's not the words at all--it's sincere expressions of support and hope that help a person through this challenging transition. "I'm sorry" or a hug from the right person says it all.

The work stops here. I feel blessed that I was given advanced notice by my employer--many people are not afforded that benefit. If you receive a gift of time like I did, check with your supervisor to be clear what you need to complete by the time you leave. Will you need to train someone or write up notes of the process?

No doubt about it--it hurts when you realize you've been left off distribution lists, the phone stops ringing and you are no longer asked to attend meetings. There will be times when you visualize taking the "low road;" but in the end, suck it up and continue being proud for your work until the day you walk out the door.

And, introducing your future. Once you leave your job—take some time to grieve and get your emotions in check. Be gentle with yourself and expect you will have good days and bad days. Even though you feel you are ready for what's next, don't be surprised if a wave of emotions hits you once you hand in your badge.

Writing is very therapeutic, so I always recommend putting down your thoughts and feelings down on paper. If you don't journal already—grab yourself a notebook and start writing. No one has to see what you wrote—no one will correct your grammar or sentence structure. It's amazing how putting it to paper can relieve your stress.

When you're ready (and maybe a little before), write down the key accomplishments from your last job. What were your responsibilities? Hopefully, you've kept an on-going list when you prepared for your performance reviews etc. This will become invaluable as you begin to craft your resume. If not, start a running list and keep adding as more things occur to you. (It's amazing how much we forget about the great things we have done and learned.) And don't be modest—now is not the time to say, "Oh shucks, it was nothing."

Then begin visualizing what you want in your next job. You don't have to figure out where you will work, but take the time to describe your surroundings, the work you are doing and how you are feeling on the job.

Many times we ignore our feelings about our current job in order to survive the work week. But now you have total freedom to be honest with yourself. What did you like about your old job? What did you like least? How did your former environment make you feel? How would you like it to be different in the future? Narrow it down to your top five wants and must haves and write them down on an index card. Then place it where you can look at it every day.

I will readily admit there were many difficult days during my transition. But in the end, my involuntary retirement was the push I needed to pursue work I love. Within a year, I had received my coaching certification, started my own business and relocated to a warmer climate. You can do it too. You can create your own happy ending.

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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd'><html><head><title>Look For Articles - Articles Directory | Losing your job? Tips to help you prepare for your exit</title></head><body><h3>Losing your job? Tips to help you prepare for your exit</h3><br><br> By: Jane Falter<br><br><p><p>I knew when I walked into that meeting with my boss, my life would change forever. Oh, there were many times I dreamed I would leave this job—it zapped my energy and stole my enthusiasm. In my dream, however, I was the one in control—I was the one calling the shots. This was definitely not how I pictured it.</P><p>There were reorganizations going on in the company almost continually; a mode-of-operation these days for many organizations. This time, three of us got the same news—we had two months notice before our jobs would end. I was grateful to have time to get over the initial shock and be able to start figuring out what was next. But as I approached the light at the end of that tunnel, I was amazed how fast things had changed.</P><p>Perhaps my story will resonate with you if you've faced a similar experience or maybe prepare you if it happens sometime in the future.</P><p>Finding the right words. Even before you get back to your desk, you sense that your whole world has changed. You are bombarded with many thoughts and feelings; you wonder if there had been anything you could have done to prevent this from happening and you try to comprehend what you will do without a job.</P><p>People struggle with what to say to someone losing their job. What can you possibly say that would give the soon-to-be-ex-employee comfort? Your colleagues know that tomorrow it could be them.</P><p>You quickly notice that people you used to eat with in the cafeteria, now walk with their head down and pretend they don't see you. Most of the time being ignored wasn't a big deal; but I was disappointed was when one of the colleagues in the office next door treated me the same way.</P><p>It may be helpful to break-the-ice yourself with many of your co-workers. Something like, "So, I guess you heard the news..." In a few cases, you may want to have a private discussion with an individual (see above paragraph)--share your feelings directly. But do it for yourself; remember, you can't change anyone. When I prepare for a meeting like that, I find it helpful to jot down a few things I want to say ahead of time. Then, wait until you're calm and not as emotional.</P><p>In the end, it's not the words at all--it's sincere expressions of support and hope that help a person through this challenging transition. "I'm sorry" or a hug from the right person says it all.</P><p>The work stops here. I feel blessed that I was given advanced notice by my employer--many people are not afforded that benefit. If you receive a gift of time like I did, check with your supervisor to be clear what you need to complete by the time you leave. Will you need to train someone or write up notes of the process?</P><p>No doubt about it--it hurts when you realize you've been left off distribution lists, the phone stops ringing and you are no longer asked to attend meetings. There will be times when you visualize taking the "low road;" but in the end, suck it up and continue being proud for your work until the day you walk out the door.</P><p>And, introducing your future. Once you leave your job—take some time to grieve and get your emotions in check. Be gentle with yourself and expect you will have good days and bad days. Even though you feel you are ready for what's next, don't be surprised if a wave of emotions hits you once you hand in your badge.</P><p>Writing is very therapeutic, so I always recommend putting down your thoughts and feelings down on paper. If you don't journal already—grab yourself a notebook and start writing. No one has to see what you wrote—no one will correct your grammar or sentence structure. It's amazing how putting it to paper can relieve your stress.</P><p>When you're ready (and maybe a little before), write down the key accomplishments from your last job. What were your responsibilities? Hopefully, you've kept an on-going list when you prepared for your performance reviews etc. This will become invaluable as you begin to craft your resume. If not, start a running list and keep adding as more things occur to you. (It's amazing how much we forget about the great things we have done and learned.) And don't be modest—now is not the time to say, "Oh shucks, it was nothing."</P><p>Then begin visualizing what you want in your next job. You don't have to figure out where you will work, but take the time to describe your surroundings, the work you are doing and how you are feeling on the job.</P><p>Many times we ignore our feelings about our current job in order to survive the work week. But now you have total freedom to be honest with yourself. What did you like about your old job? What did you like least? How did your former environment make you feel? How would you like it to be different in the future? Narrow it down to your top five wants and must haves and write them down on an index card. Then place it where you can look at it every day.</P><p>I will readily admit there were many difficult days during my transition. But in the end, my involuntary retirement was the push I needed to pursue work I love. Within a year, I had received my coaching certification, started my own business and relocated to a warmer climate. You can do it too. You can create your own happy ending.<br></P></p> <br><br> <b>Author Resource:-></b>  Jane Falter, Life Coach and author of the popular 7 Keys for your Great Corporate Escape, helps disenchanted employees reinvent themselves. To claim your free copy and sign up for her newsletter, visit her web and blog site <A href="http://www.janefalter.com/">http://www.janefalter.com</A> .<br>Jane is a Leader with WaggleForce Career Clubs and delivers comprehensive coaching programs.<br><br><br><b>Article From</b> <a href='http://www.look4articles.com/'>Look For Articles - Articles Directory</a><br></body></html>