Every year, companies downsize their workforce. It comes in the form of layoffs, strict write-ups of minor or sometimes fabricated infractions that lead to dismissal, and sometimes it’s blatant and disrespectful. I have worked in a corporate setting for more than twenty years. If you take nothing else away from this communication, remember that corporate America only likes you until they no longer like you, and that can be any given day on the calendar. We are hearing, experiencing, and contemplating what are our next steps. Here are a few tips about closing a chapter in your career.
First and foremost, you have every right to mourn the loss of your livelihood. Many live from paycheck to paycheck, while others glide through with budgeting and assurances. Some may take longer than others to adapt to the elimination of income. While I believe there are instances where you can turn stuff around, some may be at their wits’ end. Closing a chapter in your career can be an opportunity to take control going forward.
Next Steps (closing a chapter)
- Find Another Company
- For those of us who find ourselves unemployed, you can also search for a job similar to that of another corporation. You might even find that you can get a boost in salary depending on your skill set. It doesn’t have to be in the same industry. Most of us have transferable skills that will acclimate to any corporate environment. You can be a perfect fit for a team where your expertise can shine.
- Turn Your Skill Set into a Consultant Business
- Becoming a consultant is the best way to control your income level and who and where you work. Each job function can become a project with a deadline. It limits your time within an organization, and you can invoice a pretty penny for your services. Your skill set is your best asset, depending upon your field of experience. Many small businesses can’t afford a full-time bookkeeper, accountant, recruiter, executive assistant, etc. What you would customarily get paid for duties in a month, you can charge for one week and still meet a client’s expectations.
- Temporary Agency/Independent Contractor
- A temporary employment agency always has room for one more. You can also get hired as a freelancer upon someone’s recommendation or need within a business. The difference between the two is that one is on the agency’s payroll, and the other is invoiced or on the company’s short-term payroll.
All is not lost when the closing of a chapter in your career occurs. You can recover from a company dismissal in no time if you want to do it. Above are a few ways of putting your skills to use elsewhere and being compensated the same or better than your previous the long-term position you had. We will always have another chance to give our all and charge handsomely. You are in the driver’s seat and will be able to make a difference for yourself and another organization.