Karma (and Job Loss)

I was at a conference recently and the presenter had us do the "look to your left, look to your right, chances are that 1 of the 3 of you will experience having to survive a job loss" thing.

So, I looked to my left and I looked to my right thinking (or did I actually say it?) too bad, too sad, so sorry for you my friends.

Nice, huh?

Well, karma is a bitch. One headline and one phone call later, it's too bad, too sad for the Rosendahl clan. Verso Paper is laying off 175 employees, including 40 salaried, and my husband, Bill, is one of them.

First thoughts? No stinkin' way! He was there 25 years, did whatever was asked, never caused trouble. Not indispensable <no one is> but hmph. Huge cuts impact good people.

Second thoughts? Of an HR friend making the phone calls. A simple Facebook message, "Tough week, 'eh?" confirmed what I already knew to be true: no one wins in these situations.

Business is business. I've been on the other side of the desk and know how difficult these decisions are, yet they have to be made. And, they will continue to be made in boardrooms, town halls, coffee shops and at kitchen tables in communities across the nation.

**********************

The timing could have been better <like never> but all in all, we are very fortunate. We saved $$, minimized our debt and developed strong networks. We are prepared to survive this job loss.

And that's the reason for this post.

It's not to lash out, criticize or judge. It's not to take this any broader than its impact on us <it's all about me, remember?>

It's to remind you to take a critical look at your situation. Identify the risks. Acknowledge the strengths. Think about, "what if" and know what you can live without if the time comes. Don't be caught off guard.  Know where you stand.

As Wally Bock says in his post, calm down. "If you're the one people look to when a crisis happens, you need to learn this. Calm down by taking and counting deep, diaphragmatic breaths."

Preparation is the key to surviving job loss . . .  and to calm.

Be prepared.

Comments

[BoeshaneHR]

Glad to hear you are in a good place for such a terrible situation. Good luck to your husband on his search. He is lucky to have you to assist!

[Deirdre]

You are so awesome. We are here for you.

[Jennifer McClure]

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Bill's job! Hopefully, this will very soon turn into one of those situations where it was one of the best things that could have happened. Often people find new jobs, new careers and new opportunities when faced with the prospect of needing to look. I'm confident that with your help and the help of your friends/network, this will turn out great. If I can help in any way, please let me know!

[Scot Herrick]

When this happened to BOTH my wife and I within a half hour of each other, it was pretty tough. There really is a grief process. You have to pause to make sure you understand how each other feels about this before racing off to find another job. And when you wake up at 4 AM, it's important to just write down everything you have going on in your head. Getting laid off is a project and finding a different job is another project. You have to do both.

And we were prepared -- year's take-home pay in the bank, we were expecting this to happen, blah blah blah. And still went through all of that stuff anyway.

Usually, these things turn out for the better. Whether it does or not, it sure doesn't feel like it when it happens.

[laurie]

Your husband is in great hands in your network. Trust me. xo

[Halley | Brochure Printing]

I really appreciate the positive attitude that you have even after the job loss. You're right, you've got to be prepared and stay calm. I've actually experienced being laid off and I was calm, in fact I wasn't even sure if I was ever scared of the fact that I no longer have a job. The truth actually sank hard on me the following day, when I woke up then realized that I don't need to wake up early because I've got no work. I cried but after that I moved on and started to think on where to go next.

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Good morning and thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts.

Yes, we are in a good place right now and I am <starting to> paying close attention to the advice of others who have been in this situation - the truth will settle in, there will be a grief process, and we will work things out in the end.

Who has time to grieve -we have LinkedIn profiles to complete, resumes to polish off, a kid to raise . . . :)

Seriously, thank you Scot for your perspective, Jessica and Halley for reaching out, and Deirdre, Jennifer and Laurie for your friendship.

How can they not when we have you and other friends and supporters in our corner.

[Shennee]

Lisa- Please know we are all here for you. This story hits close to home for me. My husbands' company is in a similar situation. Please let us know if there is anything I can do for you, You are awesome. Just wanted to say I really appreciate having met you.

[Alan Hill]

Sorry, I will be glad to help - I am a veteran's employment rep for MN and I have quite a few resources and connections that I would be glad to use on your behalf.
Remember we help spouses of veterans - and since we both served in Germany together I'm delighted to help :)
He can call me at 952 346 4067 or email me

[Rick]

Lisa,

I only "know" you and your family from your articles and a couple of emails but I am amazed at the strength (and a little anger which is very healthy in this situation) that comes through your article. While your husband is most directly impacted, all of you will go through a variety of emotions. I'm sure you will grow stronger together and you may be surprised how the role of the "calming influence" shifts among the members of your family. My only advice is to take a little time to develop a plan and then stick with the plan. In today's economy, things take a little longer so stay upbeat and focused. It appears you have a lot of support in your network I'm not sure how, but let me know if I can help. Don't forget to keep having fun!