You will feel better if you feel ready

There is a lot going on in the news right now about recessions, inflations and large scale lay offs recently. Despite last month’s job reports which showed little change in the unemployment rate, there are companies and industries that are experiencing downsizing, needs to show higher profits and other changes that will prompt layoffs. Those who spend time on LinkedIn might even be seeing their contacts sharing information about layoffs and the need to explore a new endeavor. Some might have even experienced this already themselves or through someone close to them. It’s tempting to start to panic and very legitimate to start feeling a little stressed. Once we start to see it around us, read it and live it, we start to understand that anything can happen. That can be very unsettling. So, what can we do? First and foremost allow yourself to feel a little stressed. Give yourself permission to feel concern, and then make a plan to control what you can, which is nothing about the situation but how you react to it.

React by being proactive

There is not much we can control in life. However, we can feel empowered and very in control about how we prepare for a situation. So, after a few minutes of feeling stressed, concerned and maybe a little overwhelmed, move into the proactive phase. If you are concerned about a layoff, start by finding your resume. Where is the latest version saved? Find it and review it. Remind yourself of your skills, your experience and your background. Then make a plan to update it. Some like to dive in and tackle the project all at once, some like to update in chunks. However you want to approach it, make sure to do it. Schedule it in. Update your LinkedIn profile as well, with the same approach. If you just panicked because you don’t have a resume or a LinkedIn profile, start there. Create them.

Engage with your communities

Sometimes when we feel like there is bad news looming we retreat, or disconnect from friends, family and colleagues. Work environments can become negative quickly if people start to see others being let go. It becomes competitive, harsh and it feels like there is no one you can trust. Instead, try to connect with your colleagues in a positive way. Ask someone how their project is going. Reach out to offer assistance, or share some news you think they would enjoy hearing. At home, reach out to a friend to reconnect, or connect on a deeper level. Share your concerns and your thoughts with your family.

This can be beneficial for many reasons. You will feel more connected, you will feel that if something changes you won’t be going through it alone. One of the best reasons is that wonderful ideas can come from these conversations. You might realize there is a side gig you can work on to bring in a little extra money. Your family might help you understand that things won’t be as bad as it feels like it would be, if you lost this job. Don’t go it alone. It may feel scary to engage, but there is strength in numbers and most difficult situations can feel less taxing when you have a strong support system.

Enhance a skill or learn something new

When things feel uncertain a great way to feel better is to take action. This action not only helps if you find yourself in a job search or transition, but it also builds confidence. Action gives you the feeling you are moving toward something. It makes you feel a bit more like things are within your control. So, identify something that you enjoy in your work, or look forward to at home. Is there something you have been doing on the side that really lights you up? Is there something you have always wanted to try or explore?

This is the time. There are many free ways to develop new skills or enhance old ones. If you aren’t sure where to start to find these resources, check with the library systems you may have in your community. You will be amazed what tools are available for free with a library card. My library system has free access to LinkedIn Library (formerly Lynda). The link will bring you to a page where you can find out if your library system is connected. If not, there are many other free resources and educational tools available online. Whatever you decide to work on will be great, don’t worry if it’s the perfect thing for this job or your next. It’s the action that makes the most difference. Keep moving forward, keep doing, it’s a great way to manage the stress of the unknown.

15 minutes to get started

Here’s an exercise to get started. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Use that time to find your latest resume, save it with a new document name and start reviewing it. If it takes you 15 minutes (or more) to find it, great! You have used that time well. Schedule another 15 minutes in the day, or the next day to do your reviews. Keep that time scheduled. Commit that time to you and for you. Action is the key to feeling in control when things are out of control.

Being proactive in advance of any employment changes can take the sting out of what can be a very traumatic experience. It may never happen and if it doesn’t that’s great, you’re still ready for whatever may come your way. The next time you read an article about layoffs and downsizing, set a 15 minute appointment with yourself to take action. It’s the best thing you can do for your mindset, for your career and for your wellbeing during times of uncertainty.