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Just when you thought everything was going right for you … BAM! Here you are, getting a notice that your job is ending soon. What does that do to you, to your self-esteem, and your motivation? How does this impact you psychologically? What’s the first thing that’s going through your mind: anger, anxiety, financial worries?
Has this ever happened to you personally? It has to me about four times, thus far, in my short 18 years of career (from a very young age). I say thus far because one could never be too certain of their job stability. I didn’t know what to think. I wondered if I didn’t show too much loyalty. But then again, there is a fine line between being loyal and kissing butt. That’s a whole different article I will write about some other day. I wondered if it was the color of my skin. Side note: for those that don’t know my background, I was born in Pakistan but raised mostly outside of my own country; 4 years in Dubai and now majority of my life here in the United States. I also wondered if I was a threat to my supervisor(s) because I was so competent, leadership material, and liked by so many of my peers and managers. I wondered if anything could have been done, perhaps a creative strategy to keep my job from being cut. All these thoughts flashed in my head and crossed my mind in just matter of few seconds. And just like that, in those very few seconds, I was gone from the job too.
What was that? What just happened? Here is what I have realized. Every time this happened to me I actually knew it was coming. It wasn't because I had done something wrong. That’s not usually the case, at least not with me. It wasn’t that I was incompetent. I was able to read the signs and determine what moving parts were actually moving in my favor and which ones were against me. This could be budgetary issues, new leadership, non-renewal of funds that supported my position, etc. In my case, all these were true and actual reasons for why it happened to me. Question is, was I ready for it? Question is, how did I prepare for it? Question is, how (if) I could have prevented it from happening?
The last one is easy to answer and the answer is nothing. There is nothing I could have done. Well, maybe not entirely true, but that wouldn’t have necessarily saved me from it. You see, the planning for it starts with your day on the job. How you establish relationships with your managers. What next opportunity you’re ready to jump into and take on the challenge. How professionally you carry yourself, including your choice of words, professional manners, how humble you are, and politeness towards managers and peers. These are things that prove that you’re willing and are a capable individual and that you at least demonstrate flexibility, ability, and positive attitude. But even that doesn’t guarantee not getting the "pink slip." The more you get involved and the closer you get to management you get a better idea of what’s “cooking” and that would also help you to create a strategy for your next move. And with that some of the "reasons" and changes that may cause this separation would be known to you in order to help plan your path. For instance, sitting at the budget meetings with your manager you’d know if there are budget issues that may result in personnel cuts. You would learn if a grant was not approved. You’d also come to realize who in upper management appreciates you and who doesn’t give a hoot about where you end up.
The other two, if I was ready for it or how (if) well I was prepared for it, are things that one should always plan for regardless of how wonderful and amazing your current situation might be. I am always in the job market. Meaning, I always search the job sites to see what’s in demand, what are the current trends, what companies are seeking in professionals with my background, etc. This is not always with the intent to leave my current position. There is a good reason to do this especially if you realize that another wave of organizational challenges, possibly resulting in personnel cuts, might be in order. And these days it's getting more and more common than it used to be. Applying to jobs (and these are jobs of interest and not just random positions) also keeps me current with my interviewing skills and ability to respond to tough questions. This way, when I am really looking to make the move to my next organization of choice I don’t totally bomb the interview. I will be better prepared.
Moral of the story, even if you are somebody, you’re a no body. You can be faced with such unfavorable situation at any time. Don’t miss out on life; enjoy it. Plan ahead. Keep your eyes and your options open. And remember, regardless of your position simply be nice to everyone you come in contact with. You never know who will lend that next helping hand towards you.
]]>What was that? What just happened? Here is what I have realized. Every time this happened to me I actually knew it was coming. It wasn't because I had done something wrong. That’s not usually the case, at least not with me. It wasn’t that I was incompetent. I was able to read the signs and determine what moving parts were actually moving in my favor and which ones were against me. This could be budgetary issues, new leadership, non-renewal of funds that supported my position, etc. In my case, all these were true and actual reasons for why it happened to me. Question is, was I ready for it? Question is, how did I prepare for it? Question is, how (if) I could have prevented it from happening?
The last one is easy to answer and the answer is nothing. There is nothing I could have done. Well, maybe not entirely true, but that wouldn’t have necessarily saved me from it. You see, the planning for it starts with your day on the job. How you establish relationships with your managers. What next opportunity you’re ready to jump into and take on the challenge. How professionally you carry yourself, including your choice of words, professional manners, how humble you are, and politeness towards managers and peers. These are things that prove that you’re willing and are a capable individual and that you at least demonstrate flexibility, ability, and positive attitude. But even that doesn’t guarantee not getting the "pink slip." The more you get involved and the closer you get to management you get a better idea of what’s “cooking” and that would also help you to create a strategy for your next move. And with that some of the "reasons" and changes that may cause this separation would be known to you in order to help plan your path. For instance, sitting at the budget meetings with your manager you’d know if there are budget issues that may result in personnel cuts. You would learn if a grant was not approved. You’d also come to realize who in upper management appreciates you and who doesn’t give a hoot about where you end up.
The other two, if I was ready for it or how (if) well I was prepared for it, are things that one should always plan for regardless of how wonderful and amazing your current situation might be. I am always in the job market. Meaning, I always search the job sites to see what’s in demand, what are the current trends, what companies are seeking in professionals with my background, etc. This is not always with the intent to leave my current position. There is a good reason to do this especially if you realize that another wave of organizational challenges, possibly resulting in personnel cuts, might be in order. And these days it's getting more and more common than it used to be. Applying to jobs (and these are jobs of interest and not just random positions) also keeps me current with my interviewing skills and ability to respond to tough questions. This way, when I am really looking to make the move to my next organization of choice I don’t totally bomb the interview. I will be better prepared.
Moral of the story, even if you are somebody, you’re a no body. You can be faced with such unfavorable situation at any time. Don’t miss out on life; enjoy it. Plan ahead. Keep your eyes and your options open. And remember, regardless of your position simply be nice to everyone you come in contact with. You never know who will lend that next helping hand towards you.