The 50 Over 50 Project is a “community of career coaching” for 50 people over the age of 50 over a 50-week period.
Yesterday in Omaha, Nebraska a hi-tech company did a round of layoffs. While people getting the axe is far from new news these days, this firm had a history of fast growth, steady employment, and long tenure. So this event is a shock to our community and an even bigger shock to those who were cut. Some of those layoff victims fit the demographical focus of this blog–they were over 50. Many had been with their firm for a long, long time.
Their pressing question then is:
What does a long-term employee, who is on the older side, who may have a narrow skill set for their local market, who maybe hasn’t kept up with newer technology, and who has above average earnings, DO NOW?
The answers are many so we’ll address things over the next several posts.
The first thing which might help these laid off Omaha folks is to realize their situation has some similarities to cancer. I have been very close to cancer’s worst impact so I am not trivializing it. And, I admit few people DIE from being laid off. So what is the similarity? It is this: How victims react.
Here are the “Stages of Grief,” from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ book, “On Death and Dying:”
- Denial (this isn’t happening to me!)
- Anger (why is this happening to me?)
- Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better person if…)
- Depression (I don’t care anymore)
- Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever comes)
Do you see how these grief-related steps have heavy overlap for a person who has just been laid off and is nearly frightened to death?
If you do, tell others who might benefit about these steps so they can start their process of “vocational healing.”
I’ve been laid off many times and have interviewed or led seminars with hundreds of others who have also been cut. So, our next few posts will explore this “teachable moment” we have right here in River City. Circle the wagons with your laid off neighbors or friends and we’ll work through these phases together…
As always, PLEASE offer your thoughts to keep this a ”community of career advice.”
Paul David Madsen
Author: Laid Off & Loving It For 2010
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